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--Through a unique summer program, Georgia Gwinnett College employs high school counselors to provide financial aid guidance for college students.

Eveeta Perumal wanted to make sure her finances were in order before starting her first year in college. The 19-year-old from Loganville, along with her mother, visited Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) Financial Aid office where they were greeted by Latasha Dillard, who walked the pair through the financial aid process. Dillard, who works full-time during the school year counseling 10th grade students at Discovery High School, is spending the summer at GGC helping students like Perumal transition to college.

Since 2021, GGC’s Financial Aid office brought high school counselors on board during the summer months. According to Kimberly Jordan, GGC’s interim vice president for Enrollment Management Services and executive director of financial aid, the counselors work from mid-May until late July and sometimes into August, before returning to their home schools right in time to start the academic year.

“The financial aid process is not easy,” she said. “This program is another conduit for us to get information to high school students, along with reminders to complete the FAFSA and provide assistance in those areas where students need help.”

This is Dillard’s third summer at GGC. She said the college’s friendly atmosphere keeps her coming back—and so does her passion for helping students.

“We're right there to help them,” she said. “Most students need support with FAFSA applications, scholarship information or figuring out how to cover tuition.”

The summer experience also enhances her work back at Discovery High School.

“A lot of our staff may not be very familiar with the new financial aid processes—but I am because I’ve been working with them throughout the summer,” Dillard explained. “So I can be a resource at my school for FASFA updates, process changes and how to prepare students and parents as they ger ready for college.

Across the room, John Cash was also assisting students with their FAFSA applications. A counselor at Dacula High School during the school year, Cash has worked each summer at GGC since 2022. He previously served in GGC’s Enrollment Management department and says returning gives him the chance to reconnect with former colleagues—and former students.

“My favorite thing about being at GGC during the summer is seeing students I've worked with at Dacula,” Cash said. “In fact, earlier today, I saw a student who graduated from Dacula two years ago. I helped him get ready for college, and now he’s here getting help with financial aid.”

Both Cash and Dillard said it’s comforting for students, especially those new to the college, to see familiar faces as they navigate the sometimes-confusing intricacies of financial aid.

For Perumal, she’s grateful for the help so she can concentrate her efforts on the business of being a successful college freshman.

“Ms. Dillard showed me the financial aid process, told me what I had to do and when I had to do it,” she said. “She was very helpful and nice and gave my mom all the information she needed, too.”

Her mother, Eve, agreed, making this program, and GGC, “mom approved.”

“From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable,” she said. “Everyone was very friendly and made us feel at home. I was very impressed.”

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