ISAC Update on Workforce Pell for Financial Aid Administrators

04/30/2026

We are writing to share a brief update about work being done in Illinois to prepare for Workforce Pell and opportunities for stakeholders to provide comments and questions.

ISAC is part of an Interagency Steering Committee, including the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), state workforce agencies, and others convened by the Governor's office. The committee is working to ensure we are preparing Workforce Pell-related policies, processes, and communications for a variety of stakeholders across the state.

Upcoming Webinar And Listening Session For Financial Aid Administrators

We invite you to attend an update and listening session at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, for discussion and input about Illinois' plan and timeline along with additional information about Workforce Pell implementation.

To participate:

For the audio portion, select one of the available options:

  • "Use computer audio" – for this option you will need to have a microphone to be able to interact with the webinar. Without a microphone, you will be in listen-only mode.
  • "Call me" – for this option, enter your phone number, and Webex will call you for toll-free participation.
  • "Call in" (not a toll-free option) – if you are not able to participate through the "Use computer audio" or "Call me" options, but would like to participate by phone, you can use one of these toll numbers: +1-312-535-8110 (US Toll Chicago) or +1-415-655-0002 (US Toll) and access code 2862 824 8002.

Registration is not required for this event. The participation information will also be available – along with presentation materials – at the Partner Training page in the e-Library on the day of the event.

Illinois Resources

National Guidance

As you likely know, final federal regulations related to Workforce Pell have not yet been issued. In the meantime, we'd like to be sure you are aware of some national information and initial guidance for financial aid leaders about implementation:

  • Federal Student Aid (FSA) has provided, and has continued to update, this guidance about FAFSA processing updates coming out of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, of which Workforce Pell is a part.
  • A March 11, 2026, NASFAA post also covered the recent FAFSA system updates, including coverage of and reaction to the above-mentioned federal guidance on Workforce Pell implementation.

If you've noted additional guidance from your professional associations or formal communications that could benefit your colleagues or the Interagency Steering Committee, we invite you to share them with us.

We look forward to continuing to update you as Illinois' Interagency Steering Committee advances state-level planning and implementation together on Workforce Pell.

You are receiving this message because you registered for ISAC's e-Messaging service through one or more subscription groups for FAAs.

If you have any questions, please contact School Services by sending an email to [email protected] or calling 866.247.2172.