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Winter 2026 ISACorps™ Alumni E-Newsletter
Be Informed. Food for Thought. Resources.
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In this Issue
- ISACorps Alumni Recognition
- News & Announcements
- What We Are Reading and Listening To…
- Upcoming Webinars
Welcome to the ISACorps Alumni quarterly e-newsletter! Visit the ISACorps Alumni webpage to access the newsletter, join the ISACorps Digital Yearbook, and read more about ISACorps alumni updates and announcements.
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ISACorps Alumni Recognition
This fall, ISACorps alumni across the state generously hosted regional meetings with our coordinators and Corps members, creating space for connection, learning, and reflection. We extend our sincere thanks to Jenna Roecker-Graves (2020) for hosting Region 2; Dominque Thomas-Green (2012) and Kwalee Kemp (2013) for Region 3; Sydney Rockwell (2023) for Region 4; Maria Amill (2020) and Megan Hanson (2022) for Region 5; and Davon Maxey (2021) and Araceli Manzo (2017) for Region 7.
Our alumni shared advice and real-world experiences from their current careers, offering perspective and encouragement as Corps members continue to grow as leaders and professionals. We are grateful for their time, generosity, and continued commitment to the ISACorps community.
| | Do you have an alumni swag package? Fill out this form!
If you have already received a package, you may disregard. | | Corps Members Connected with Alumni During Career Planning Webinar
On November 18, Corps members had the incredible opportunity to network with alumni during a career planning webinar. The event featured two breakout sessions that explored career paths in higher education, financial aid, college access, nonprofit work, and K-12 education. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the alumni who generously shared their stories, experiences, and advice: | |
- Rebecca McFarland (2009)
- Lily Huang (2009)
- Jakendra Williams (2009)
- Audra Clodfelter (2010)
- Viviann Anguiano (2011)
- Dominque Thomas-Green (2012)
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- Ciera Landolt-Field (2013)
- Danielle Long (2014)
- James Yost (2014)
- Jenna Roecker (2020)
- Jackson Esela (2022)
- Michael Callada (2024)
| | | What you shared was greatly appreciated by our Corps members. Thank you for giving back to the ISAC community! | Join the ISACorps Alumni Steering Committee:
Help Strengthen Our Network! | |
We are looking for passionate alumni to join us in strengthening the ISACorps Alumni Network by fostering connections and enhancing alumni engagement. The committee currently consists of ten dedicated members serving two-year terms, and we are seeking six additional alumni to serve either one- or two-year terms, with the option to renew. As a committee member, you will collaborate virtually four to five times per year, contributing valuable recommendations to shape and advance our alumni initiatives. Your involvement can make a lasting impact—join us in building a vibrant and connected alumni community!
This is a great opportunity for you to:
- Enhance your resume.
- Expand and strengthen your personal and professional network.
- Establish yourself as a thought leader.
- Gain practical experience and develop leadership and other skills to advance your career.
- Inspire current and the next generation of Corps members.
Interested applicants are invited to complete the Alumni Steering Committee application by Friday, February 6, 2026.
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Open Your Workplace to an ISACorps Member This Spring
ISAC is seeking short-term job shadow/site visit experiences for ISACorps members through its externship program. Dates and time are flexible, and the duration need not be more than a one-day opportunity.
We have five current ISACorps members, based in different areas of the state, who are excited about finding an externship/job shadow experience this spring. Below are their locations and some of their interests.
- A Corps member in the Rockford area is interested in program management, advising or client support work in nonprofits, state agencies, or higher education.
- A Corps member in Peoria is interested in exploring careers in higher education (perhaps academic advising), medical or school social work.
- A Corps member based in the Naperville area is interested in working in a public or nonprofit setting in financial analysis or project management.
- A Corps member in the Galesburg area is interested in higher education or college access work related to enrollment, outreach or advising, and using their experience in copywriting and editing.
- A Corps member in the Springfield area is seeking opportunities that connect their passion for social service with their communications background, such as film, photography, and social media.
If you have opportunities for a job shadow, site visit, or informational interview, we’d love to hear from you! Please complete the ISACorps Externship Host Interest form to get started. Feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions.
Please help us get the word out by sharing this information with colleagues, friends, and your professional network.
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Job Opportunities and One-On-One Career Coaching!
Looking for a new job? Check out these positions! ISACorps Alumni Job Postings List.xlsx
If you are looking to advance your career, make a career change, find more balance in your current position, and/or assess your job satisfaction, then check out our career coaching program. Our alumni coordinator can help you develop a roadmap and specific plans to help you meet your career goals. This program is free to all our ISACorps alumni!
Take your career to the next level! Get started today by scheduling an appointment with our career coach. Contact us at [email protected] to let us know you are interested, and we will get back to you to schedule! We are here to help!
If you know of any job opportunities in your area and would like to share them with your fellow ISACorps alumni or current ISACorps members, please email [email protected].
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First Up Podcast Season 3
We’re thrilled to share that Season 3 of ISAC's podcast series, First Up is coming soon! This podcast dives deep into the unique and inspiring experiences of first-generation college students as they navigate their journeys before, during, and after college.
As part of ISAC’s ongoing efforts to highlight timely and relevant topics in higher education, we’re currently developing two upcoming episodes of our podcast, First Up—and we’re reaching out to our alumni for potential contributors.
We're looking for individuals who may be interested in participating in an initial planning conversation about either of the following themes:
1. AI and the Future of Education
We’re exploring how artificial intelligence is influencing teaching, learning, and academic integrity. We're especially interested in hearing from:
- High school English teachers who are seeing how students are using (or misusing) AI.
- College professors or administrators involved in curriculum development or instructional design.
2. Supporting First-Gen College Student: Athletes
This episode will look at how college athletics programs recruit and support first-generation college students. We’re seeking insight from:
- College athletic coaches or staff who directly engage in recruitment or student support.
If you or someone in your network might be interested in participating, the first step would be a brief conversation to explore the topic, share perspectives, and discuss what a potential episode could look like. This initial conversation is simply a chance to connect and explore the topic together. From there, we’ll shape the final episode and reach back out about any next steps for possible participation.
Feel free to contact [email protected], or forward it along to anyone who might be a good fit.
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Registration Open for Success Network Conference
Join colleagues from across the state on Thursday, February 26, 2026, for the Illinois Education and Career Success Network 13th annual conference, themed “Stronger Together: Creating Opportunity for Every Learner.” The conference will be held at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois and is an engaging learning opportunity designed for leaders from secondary and postsecondary education, local and state government, community-based organizations, policy advocates, grant makers, employers, and other stakeholders interested in equitably increasing postsecondary attainment in Illinois.
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Skip the Stress and Click into College with One Click College Admit!
One Click College Admit (OCCA) – Be sure your high school juniors and seniors know they can now participate in the state’s new direct admissions program: a quick, stress-free direct admissions program into most state public universities and all community colleges. Through this program, all eligible high school seniors automatically receive offers of general admission to participating state public universities and their local community college based on their GPA. The program also removes the requirement for application fees, essays, and letters of recommendation.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, ISAC, and Common App invite high school administrators, counselors, and other college access professionals to learn about this unique program for all Illinois high school students. Visit One Click College Admit at oneclickadmit.org to access program details and promotional materials.
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ISAC Student Supports
Just a reminder that ISAC services are available to support students and families with navigating the process of applying to and entering college and applying for financial aid.
The ISACorps of near peer mentors are available to assist students and families with the college application process and financial aid applications. Students can book a virtual one-on-one meeting with an ISACorps member at www.isac.org/booking. Appointments can be scheduled up to seven days in advance and assistance in Spanish is available. Please share this link with your students and colleagues in your network and community.
In addition, ISACorps members offer in-person college and financial aid presentations, as well as financial aid application completion workshops in your school or community. Schedule a presentation or workshop by completing an Outreach Request Form.
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Upcoming ISAC Professional Development: In-Person and Virtual Trainings
To assist you in helping your students and families with the college-going and financial aid process, ISAC offers free trainings to school counselors, college and career staff, college admission counselors, and other education professionals. Professional Development (PD) hours and Continuing Education (CE) credits will be available for attendees at the rate of one unit per contact hour. For more information and registration details, visit ISAC's Professional Development page.
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Family Action Network (FAN) Events
ISAC is pleased to continue sponsorship of select FAN events. FAN is a non-profit organization that curates a high-quality speaker series. FAN’s accessible and dynamic events create common ground and provide the latest insights on education, psychology, social change, relationships, and well-being. All FAN programs are free and open to the public. Check out their upcoming and past events today. Feel free to share this information with your colleagues and network.
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What We Are Reading and Listening To…
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Other Webinars and Workshops
| | Don't forget to update your contact information to receive recent job postings, our quarterly e-newsletter, the latest PD opportunities, alumni event invitations, and more. | | If you have any questions regarding this e-Message, please send an email to the Alumni Relations division at [email protected]. | | © 2026 Illinois Student Assistance Commission | | | | |
