ISAC Student PortalISAC Communiqué
Volume 35, Number 9C
March 2026
| Messages sent to: | Multiple Subscription Groups |
| ISAC Communiqué |
Welcome to the March 2026 ISAC Communiqué, which is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout March.
The articles in this electronic Communiqué have been organized according to the Counselor subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this electronic Communiqué can be directed to Partner Services by calling 866.247.2172 or sending an email message to [email protected]. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.
Learn About Workforce Pell: April 6 Webinar
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrator and High School Counselors/Teachers on March 31, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
Illinois is preparing to launch Workforce Pell, a new federal expansion of Pell Grants that - beginning July 1, 2026 - will allow eligible students to use financial aid for high‑quality, short‑term workforce training programs. This change will have important implications for employers, colleges, training providers, workforce leaders, advisors, and learners across the state.
Please join the April 6 webinar from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (CT) to learn how Illinois is approaching this opportunity and what it may mean for your organization.
The webinar will:
- Provide an overview of Workforce Pell and key eligibility requirements
- Share the state’s cross‑agency approach and implementation timeline
- Outline next steps and opportunities for stakeholder input
Please share this invitation with your colleagues and others in your network who may want to learn more and help ensure this opportunity strengthens pathways to good jobs for Illinoisans.
Do You Send Paper Transcripts? Make the Switch to Electronic. It's Easy! What Are You Waiting For?
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, and Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants on March 26, 2026.
Illinois public and private high schools!
Join ISAC for a webinar to hear about this great opportunity!
The ISAC Transcript Exchange, powered by Parchment, provides the opportunity for high school students to request their transcripts and other credentials be sent electronically to the college(s) of their choice, the Common App, and other organizations requesting transcripts (e.g., scholarship providers and third-party verifications).
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is highlighting the importance of every high school in Illinois developing and submitting a "school profile" as part of a new initiative from the state of Illinois aimed at helping Illinois students apply to colleges and universities. Research shows detailed information in a profile can help admission officers more fairly evaluate students’ accomplishments, thus promoting more equitable admission outcomes. You can learn more about this initiative and access the ISBE School Profile Toolkit on ISBE's website.
ISAC can assist in having your school profiles submitted to colleges and universities directly through the ISAC Transcript Exchange.
The ISAC Transcript Exchange – Parchment Preview
Join us on Thursday, April 16th, from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. (CT) to learn about the ISAC Transcript Exchange, how to navigate the student and administrator dashboards, and gain efficiencies by switching from paper to electronic transcripts. Attendees will hear directly from a school professional on how the ISAC Transcript Exchange has made a difference at their school and for their students.
To register, visit the Professional Development Offerings page
For questions on ISAC's Transcript Exchange, contact [email protected].
Note: ISAC will not be offering Continuing Education or Professional Development hours for this webinar.
Science Meets Wisdom: Virtual FAN Event
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on March 25, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
You're invited to an engaging and thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Family Action Network (FAN), exploring what it truly means to thrive in today's world.
FAN will present Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving, featuring the book's authors:
- Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D. – William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds
- Cortland Dahl, Ph.D. – Contemplative Scientist and co-founder of the Center for Healthy Minds and Chief Contemplative Officer at Humin
This meaningful conversation will be moderated by ISAC's very own Jacqueline Moreno, Chief Service Officer, bringing a trusted and familiar voice to guide the discussion.
Together, they will explore how cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient contemplative practices can help individuals build resilience, reduce stress, and cultivate lasting well-being. These insights are especially relevant for those supporting students and communities.
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
12:00 p.m. CT
Free and open to the public (appropriate for youth 12+)
Bonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Born to Flourish to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details are provided on the webinar registration page.
Register here: www.bit.ly/DDFANWebinar
As a proud sponsor of this FAN event, ISAC is excited to uplift this conversation and highlight the leadership of Jacqueline Moreno in bringing these insights to our community.
We hope you'll join us.
Don't miss out on upcoming Professional Development opportunities from ISAC!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on March 18, 2026.
oin ISAC for our FREE upcoming Professional Development Opportunities! Professional Development and Continuing Education hours will be available.
March 24, 2026
Virtual FAFSA® Symposium
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Webex
The FAFSA Symposium provides an opportunity for practitioners and professionals to share best practices for supporting students in completing financial aid applications.
Now offered virtually, the symposium increases access for professionals across the state.
Visit the FAFSA Symposium webpage for more details.
April 21, 2026
PaCE Curriculum Training
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign IL
This training will highlight ISAC's Illinois PaCE Curriculum for grades 6–8. Attendees will review the curriculum structure and participate in activities that will help them implement their PaCE Framework.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Registration is now open for the 2026 FAFSA® Symposium!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on March 13, 2026.
Register now to secure your spot for the 2026 FAFSA Symposium, taking place virtually March 24, 2026! Registration is free. We hope to see you there!
Continuing education/professional development hours are available!
This year’s sessions include:
- FAFSA Symposium Welcome & Kick Off
- Overview of New ISAC Programs
- Conducting Successful Financial Aid Application Completion Workshops
- A New Approach: Helping Students Understand Financial Literacy
- From High School to College in One Click
- A Guide to the 2026-27 Alternative Application
- Accessing DCFS Postsecondary Education Supports
Visit the FAFSA Symposium webpage for more details.
For questions, contact [email protected].
2026 FAFSA® Symposium – Join Virtually March 24, 2026
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on March 6, 2026.
To better accommodate participants and engagement across the state, the 2026 FAFSA® Symposium on March 24, 2026, will be moved to a virtual format. Join us to gain practical tools, connect with peers, and support students and families through the financial aid process.
At the virtual symposium, attendees will:
- Discover how to incorporate equity and inclusion to support students and families through the financial aid process
- Hear strategies to collaborate with financial aid offices
- Learn about barriers first generation students face while navigating the financial aid process
- Understand the changes being made to the 2026-2027 FAFSA and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
Registration is free! Visit the FAFSA Symposium landing page for more information. Continuing education/professional development hours will be available.
We are excited to see you!
For questions, contact [email protected].
Reminder: 2026 FAFSA® Symposium taking place March 24, 2026! Call for Proposals now open, deadline extended!
Sent to Principals/Superintendents/Administrators, High School Counselors/Teachers, College Admissions Counselors, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange High School Participants, Illinois Electronic Transcript Exchange College Participants, Community Organizations, and Public Libraries on March 3, 2026.
Our Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Symposium session proposal form will now remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026! Session guidelines can be found on the session proposal form.
We invite school counselors, college and career staff, financial aid administrators, community-based organizations, and other college-access professionals to submit a session proposal to present at the sixth annual FAFSA Symposium!
Reserve Your Spot, Register Today!
Register before Friday, March 20, 2026! Advance registration is required. Walk-in registration is not available. Registration for the symposium is $25 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and symposium materials. You can register here, and for more information about the symposium, visit the FAFSA Symposium page.
For questions, contact [email protected].
February 2026 ISAC Communiqué
Sent on March 2, 2026.
The February 2026 edition of the ISAC Communiqué is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org.This electronic version of ISAC's newsletter is a compilation of information provided to Counselor partners via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.
Topics covered in the February 2026 ISAC Communiqué include:
- Save the Date for the 2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Symposium! Call for Proposals now open!
(sent February 25, 2026) - Last Seats: Disengaged Teen Author Event
(sent February 17, 2026) - Upcoming Important Dates from ISAC
(sent February 13, 2026) - Register Now for Success Network Conference
(sent February 11, 2026) - February is One Click College Admit Month: 4 Easy Ways to Support the Class of 2027
(sent February 6, 2026) - Join Us: The Disengaged Teen Book Talk
(sent February 2, 2026) - January 2026 ISAC Communiqué
(sent February 2, 2026)
Encourage Your Colleagues to Sign Up for e-Messaging
ISAC's e-Messaging service is our primary means of communicating information to Counselor partners.
Encourage your colleagues who have not done so to subscribe through the Counselors e-Messaging sign-up page at isac.org today, so that they won't miss future announcements or updates from ISAC.
