ISAC Student PortalISAC Update
VOL. 44, NO. 1F
July 2026
| Messages sent to: | Multiple Subscription Groups |
| ISAC Update |
Welcome to the July 2026 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout July.
The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update 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.
Resources Available from Recent Illinois Workforce Pell Application Launch Webinar
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on July 31, 2026.
The Illinois Interagency Steering Committee on Workforce Pell held the Illinois Workforce Pell Application Launch Webinar on July 21, 2026. The recording is now available.
The manual, application portal, and all other templates and resources can be found on the Illinois Workforce Pell Hub: https://www.iccb.org/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-pell/. The deck for the webinar mentioned above will be on the Hub soon. Applications are due no later than August 31, 2026.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Office Hours:
To assist institutions in submitting a successful application, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) will be hosting office hours July 27–August 24, 2026, Mondays 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Join using this link: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=ma19767b4903cc0dc34dd74bd1bf40498/
Questions:
Community colleges may submit questions directly to Whitney Thompson at [email protected]. All other institution types should reach out to IBHE at [email protected].
ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on July 29
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on July 15, 2026.
Plan to join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 for a "Monthly Program & Operational Update" webinar for financial aid administrators.
Future monthly webinars will take place at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026*
* Note: September webinar earlier in month than usual.
Registration is not required for these webinars. Participate by accessing the webinar link and presentation materials at the Partner Training page in the e-Library on the day of the event.
Requests for specific topics or questions you would like an upcoming webinar to address may be submitted by sending an email to Partner Services at [email protected].
Workforce Pell Updates
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on July 14, 2026.
Webinar featuring application walk-through will be held July 21
State and Federal resources and support are available
Dear colleagues,
The Illinois Interagency Workforce Pell Team is sharing information about upcoming events and related resources.
State of Illinois Workforce Pell Application Available July 15
When Congress established the framework for students in certain short-term programs to receive Pell Grants, they required each program to have approval at both the state and federal levels. Institutions that would like their workforce programs to be approved for the Pell Grant must first apply for approval from the State of Illinois.
The state application will be made available July 15 at the state's Workforce Pell hub:
https://www.iccb.org/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-pell/
Webinar: Walk-through of Illinois Workforce Pell Application July 21
Members of the Illinois team will provide an overview of the state Workforce Pell application during a webinar on Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Presenters will demonstrate the application, discuss its requirements, describe the processes for data collection and program approval, and share information on upcoming opportunities for additional technical assistance.
Register for the webinar at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fby1U9AJTriAKafu2KFH5w
A recording will also be made available at the Workforce Pell hub for those unable to participate.
Resources from the Office of Federal Student Aid
Once an institution's program is approved for Workforce Pell by a state's governor, the institution will need to submit its application to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) using the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs, known as the E-App, in the FSA Partner Connect system.
For information about the new Workforce Pell-related features in the E-App, including how to access a recorded webinar and other training resources, see the following recent electronic announcement from the Department:
(ANN-26-10) FSA Partner Connect Training: Managing Workforce Pell Programs
https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2026-06-25/fsa-partner-connect-training-managing-workforce-pell-programs-updated-july-1-2026
Further Information on Workforce Pell in Illinois is Available
For additional Illinois-specific Workforce Pell guidance and resources, including a policy manual, FAQs, and a form for submitting comments and questions, please visit the Illinois Workforce Pell hub: https://www.iccb.org/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-pell/.
Last Call! 2026 CCE Conference is this Thursday!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on July 13, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
This is your last call to join us at this year's College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference. The CCE conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action that you won't want to miss. This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation that shapes students' futures and the systems they navigate – not as a passive observer, but as a contributor, change agent, and student advocate.
Register now and join us on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center as we explore this year's powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters.
More information about the conference is available on the conference website.
Space is limited – register today to reserve your place! Conference registration is $40, payable by credit card via Eventbrite.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
2026 CCE Conference is One Week Away
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on July 9, 2026.
Dear Colleague,
Don’t miss out on this year’s College Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference. Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, the CCE Conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation, not as a passive observer, but as a contributor, change agent, and student advocate.
Register now and join us on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Tinley Park Convention Center as we explore this year’s powerful and dual-sided theme: Education Matters.
More information about the conference is available on the conference website.
Space is limited – register today to reserve your place! Conference registration is $40, payable by credit card via Eventbrite.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
2026-27 ECACE Certification Now Open
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and ECACE Administrators on July 9, 2026.
Effective today, certification data for the 2026-27 Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program is being accepted.
Student List
The opening of the certification function allows colleges to view a listing of applicant records in the ECACE system, as well as certify eligibility for qualified students. The "Student List Eligibility: View" screen displays applicants who listed your institution on their applications and whose applications have been reviewed by ISAC staff for completeness. Additional records will appear on the Student List on an ongoing basis as applications are reviewed. You may want to consider regularly checking the ECACE system for any new data that has been posted.
Certification
Certification records are created for applicants who have completed the application process – meaning that the ECACE application and either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, along with required documentation, have all been submitted – and the applicant meets all initial eligibility requirements (i.e., requirements other than those that must be verified by the college). These records appear on the "Certification List: View" screen, located under the "Certification" tab of the ECACE system. The individual certification records can be accessed by selecting the student's name from the list and navigating to the Certification Data screen.
All certification records showing in the ECACE system must be completed regardless of whether the school determines an applicant to be eligible or ineligible. The only way an applicant will receive notification of their eligibility status from ISAC is if the certification record is submitted. Once the certification data is entered on the screen, clicking on the Save/Submit button will complete the process, and the applicant status information will be updated on the "Certification List: View" screen.
The certification process must be completed before awarding can take place later this summer, and colleges are asked to regularly check the ECACE system for new student records that are posted as ISAC continues the application review process.
Online Resources
- ECACE Scholarship Electronic Processing (includes the ECACE User Guide)
- ECACE Scholarship Certification
Future Updates
We will continue to share program updates through our usual means of communication – the FAA Message Board, the ECACE Program News page, and this e-Messaging service.
2026 CCE Conference — Keynote Announcement & Preliminary Agenda
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on July 2, 2026.
www.collegechangeseverything.org
Dear Colleagues,
We call upon you to join us with intention, commitment, and passion at the 2026 College Changes Everything® (CCE) conference on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center to explore this year's theme: Education Matters. Whether you work directly with students or are a part of shaping the systems they navigate, the 2026 CCE conference offers a space for learning, advocacy, and action. Come ready to be challenged, inspired and most importantly, to act. More information about the conference is available on the conference website.
Keynote Speaker
We are pleased to announce this year's conference keynote speaker, Enrique Rodríguez, News Anchor for Univision Chicago and 11-time Emmy award winner from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Visit the conference website to learn more about this year's keynote speaker.
Preliminary Agenda
A preliminary agenda is now available on the conference website. The preliminary agenda contains the interest sessions that will be part of the day of collaboration.
Registration
Space is limited – register today to reserve your place! Conference registration is $40, payable by credit card via Eventbrite.
2026 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
- iCan Dream Center
by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
FY27 ISAC Program Funding: Budget Bills Approved
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on July 1, 2026.
Governor Pritzker has approved House Bill (HB) 111 (operating budget bill) and HB 2949 [budget implementation bill (BIMP)], which together provide funding and statutory authority for Illinois programs and services, including ISAC's programs, for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). Both bills were approved by the Illinois General Assembly shortly before both chambers adjourned in the early morning hours of June 1, and they were forwarded to the governor June 10 for review and signature.
The governor, working in cooperation with lead appropriators in both chambers, did issue several line-item vetoes to correct errors and remove duplicative language from HB 111, but with those changes, the remainder of the budget for FY27 was approved and is now in effect. The bills are now considered law and are officially Public Act 104-0464 (budget) and Public Act 104-0466 (BIMP). (Before considering printing, please note the documents' length.)
Overall, the FY27 funding levels for ISAC-administered programs are very similar to the current year's budget. Most significantly, general funds for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) are held at the current level, keeping program appropriations at just under $721.6 million.
The budget includes an increase for the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program ($10 million, up from $7.5 million in FY26). In addition, ISAC will administer a $250,000 grant for the N'DIGO Foundation, a previous ISAC grantee, "to fund internships to train students and youth in communications."
Some ISAC programs will experience decreased funding in the FY27 budget.
- The budget reduces to $5 million (down from $6 million in FY26) funds to reimburse public universities for a portion of the tuition and fees that have been waived on behalf of eligible veterans and guard members through the Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) and Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant programs. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) receives funding to reimburse Illinois community colleges for the costs associated with these same programs; their appropriation is expected to cover community colleges' IVG and ING Grant costs in full.
- While funding for the Grant Programs for Dependents of Police, Fire, or Correctional Officers is down slightly ($1.1 million, down from $1.3 million in FY26), we do not anticipate students being impacted by this reduction.
- The Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program is funded at only $250,000 from general funds, down from $1.25 million in general funds that the program received for FY26.
FY27 ISAC Program Appropriation Highlights
MAP – $721,566,200
Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship – $5,000,000
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois – $10,750,000
Golden Apple Accelerators – $5,000,000
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship – $8,000,000
Nursing Education Scholarship – $4,000,000
Grant Programs for Dependents of Police, Fire, or Correctional Officers – $1,100,000 (decrease)
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship – $1,100,000
Grant Program for Exonerees and their Dependents – $150,000
ING Grant and IVG reimbursement for public universities – $5,000,000 (decrease)
Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License Scholarship Program and School and Municipal Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program (combined appropriation) – $2,000,000
Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment – $10,000,000 (increase)
Human Services Professional Loan Repayment – $250,000 (decrease)
Illinois Teachers Loan Repayment – $975,000
Nurse Educator Loan Repayment – $400,000
Veterans' Home Medical Providers' Loan Repayment – $26,400
Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) Grant – $50,000,000*
* AIM HIGH funds are disbursed in lump sums by ISAC to public universities.
With the approval of the budget, program implementation and operational activities for the 2026-27 academic year will begin to move forward. As always, we will regularly provide updates and processing details regarding each of our programs as we proceed through the year.
State Legislative Update
Additional details regarding the FY27 state budget, as well as highlights of action taken by the Illinois General Assembly during its spring legislative session that may be of interest to the state's financial aid community, will be provided in an upcoming State Legislative Update.
June 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on July 1, 2026.
The June 2026 edition of the ISAC Update 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 version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.
Topics covered in the June 2026 ISAC Update include:
- Invitation: Engagement Opportunities on the Development of a New State Attainment Goal
(sent June 30, 2026) - 2026-27 MAP Recompute Formula Approved (Highlights from June 25 Commission Meeting)
(sent June 26, 2026) - CCE Conference in 3 Weeks: Don't Miss Out!
(sent June 25, 2026) - Join Us at the 2026 CCE Conference: Registration is Open!
(sent June 18, 2026) - Commission Meeting Thursday, June 25 – Executive Briefing Friday, June 26
(sent June 11, 2026) - ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on June 24
(sent June 10, 2026) - 2026 CCE: Registration Open
(sent June 4, 2026) - Public Comment Open for Illinois Workforce Pell Program Approval Manual
(sent June 3, 2026) - 2025-26 Year-End Program Updates
(sent June 2, 2026) - May 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
(sent June 1, 2026)
