ISAC Student PortalOutreach Request Form
To request an ISAC representative for your event, please complete this Outreach Request form no less than 2 weeks prior to your event. In-person events will be conducted in accordance with local health guidelines.
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Financial Aid & Literacy
The Financial Aid Process Presentation (freshmen to seniors; approx. 60 minutes) Available in English and Spanish This session outlines the general financial aid process and provides insight on how financial aid works, how to apply for it, student eligibility, and how it can be used to help pay for college. It introduces the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, along with summarizing state and federal aid programs among other topics.
Financial Aid Application Completion Workshop – (seniors and college students; approx. 60 minutes) During this workshop students will be able to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. These are the forms used to apply for financial aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant and/or the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP). Many colleges also use these forms to consider students for institutional money. Individuals should create a StudentAid.gov account prior to the workshop to be able to start the FAFSA. Students and parents use their StudentAid.gov account to provide approval for the transfer of tax and income information from the IRS to the FAFSA. Please note that the StudentAid.gov account is not used with the Alternative Application. Individuals should have information regarding their income and asset information readily available.
StudentAid.gov Account Workshop – (juniors and seniors; approx. 45 minutes) Attendees will be able to create a StudentAid.gov account, while ISAC staff will be available to answer individual questions and troubleshoot any issues. A StudentAid.gov account is required for an individual to start a FAFSA and to approve the transfer of income and tax information from the IRS to the FAFSA. A StudentAid.gov account can be created by students and parents.
FAFSA Follow-Up Presentation - (seniors; approx. 30 minutes) Many students and their families have additional questions after completing the FAFSA. This presentation addresses what happens after a FAFSA is completed, completing the verification process, reviewing financial aid offers from colleges using ISAC’s interactive tool, how financial aid is disbursed, and addressing extenuating circumstances.
All About Scholarships Presentation - (juniors and seniors; approx. 30 minutes) This session introduces students to the scholarship application process, highlighting the key components of an application, tips for submitting successful applications, and integrates reputable scholarship opportunities. This presentation also shows students how to make the most of high school resources to support their search and application journey.
Scholarships for Aspiring Educators Presentation - (juniors to college students; approx. 30 min) Aspiring educators wishing to teach in Illinois have various options to help accomplish their goal. In this presentation a general overview will be given of the various teaching scholarships available to future educators, including the Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW), Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) scholarship, and Golden Apple scholarship.
Financial Aid Offer Comparison Workshop - (parents and seniors; approx. 60 minutes) This workshop is designed to help seniors and parents evaluate financial aid offers from colleges. Corps members begin with a brief presentation on financial aid and how to read and evaluate financial aid offers. With the help of a comparison worksheet (paper or online form), families compare financial aid offers while Corps members provide one-on-one support as needed. This workshop is held after students have received their financial aid offer from the college(s) to which they have been admitted.
Managing College Costs Presentation - (parents and seniors; approx. 45 minutes) The goal of this presentation is to get students thinking about their college budget. Topics include how to plan your college financing, as well as strategies for saving money without losing out on academic opportunities. Increasing a student’s financial base, scholarships, and working on campus are also discussed.
Using the SAI Estimator Workshop - (parents and juniors; approx. 45 minutes) This workshop introduces students to the SAI Estimator, a tool that provides an early estimate of potential financial aid for college. Students will learn how to use it to better understand and plan for college costs.
Two Scholarships and a Lie Activity - (juniors and seniors; approx. 15 minutes) This quick activity introduces students to a variety of scholarships and the wide range of eligibility criteria that exist. This activity can complement the All About Scholarships or the Financial Aid Process presentation.
Postsecondary Education, Exploration, Preparation & Selection
College is Possible Presentation (middle school students to sophomores and parents; approx. 60 minutes) Available in English and Spanish It is never too early to start planning for college. This presentation outlines the college and financial aid processes in general terms, lays the groundwork for what to expect with the college-going process, and provides tips and tools students and parents can use to learn more about planning, applying, and paying for a postsecondary education.
Welcome to High School Presentation - (middle school students to sophomores; approx. 30 minutes) This presentation introduces 8th graders, freshmen, and sophomores to the importance of high school and how to make the most of it to prepare for college. Students will learn the important basic information about college, as well as how they can prepare for college academically and socially during high school.
College Application Process Presentation - (juniors and seniors; approx. 45 minutes) Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but this presentation breaks it down into clear, manageable steps. Students will learn about the key components of college applications, timelines, personal statements/essays, financial aid basics, and resources for test preparation. In addition, the session will highlight Illinois’ Direct Admission program, which provides qualified students with automatic admission offers from participating Illinois colleges and universities, expanding opportunities and simplifying the path to higher education.
One Click College Admit Workshop – (juniors; approx. 60 min) During this workshop students will be able to opt into Illinois' Direct Admissions program called One Click College Admit. It's the free, quick, and stress-free way to be considered for admission to Illinois public universities and community colleges. No application fee, essay, or letter of recommendation required for participation in the program.
College Application Workshop – (seniors and college students; approx. 60 minutes) ISAC partners with the American College Application Campaign to encourage students to apply to college in a timely fashion, especially for first gen students. During this workshop, Corps members will assist students with completing college applications to the college(s) of their choice and/or applying for direct admission through the state’s One Click College Admit program to participating Illinois public universities and community college. Schools are encouraged to work with ISAC staff to hold other activities, such as career exploration activities, college application process presentation, essay workshop, etc., prior to the application workshop so that students can successfully submit a complete application.
College 101 Presentation - (juniors and seniors; approx. 45 minutes) Typically, people hear “college” and assume it means living away from home to attend a 4-year university. This presentation covers detailed information about various post-secondary options and why it is important to start thinking about life after high school. Topics include but not limited to types of colleges and how to research colleges, college match, and importance of college visits.
Headed to College Presentation - (seniors; approx. 30 minutes) As recent college graduates, Corps members offer an important perspective to high school seniors as they prepare to transition into college. This presentation is a practical discussion regarding that transition, particularly behaviors and characteristics that will help assure it is a smooth one. The presentation covers common college resources and important logistical information, like how to accept financial aid and manage the student billing process.
Being a First Generation College Student Presentation - (seniors; approx. 60 minutes) Transitioning to college can be challenging, and first-generation students often face unique questions and concerns as they take this important step. This session addresses common challenges, introduces key campus resources, and shares strategies from successful first-generation college students. Participants will also be invited to join the First Generation Scholars Network, which provides ongoing support over the summer after high school and connects students to resources at their future college.
Trade, Vocational, and Technical Education Presentation - (juniors and seniors; approx. 60 minutes) This presentation introduces students to trade, vocational, and technical schools, explaining what they are and the opportunities they offer. Participants will explore popular career paths in these fields and learn how to determine if a program is the right fit for their interests and goals. This presentation also covers the application process for these schools and programs, including key steps and requirements.
ISAC Student Portal Walkthrough Workshop – (juniors to college students; approx. 30 minutes) This workshop provides students with a step-by-step walkthrough of the ISAC Student Portal (studentportal.isac.org), a free online resource designed to help plan their college journey. Students will learn how to navigate the portal, explore college and career planning tools, and track important milestones. The session highlights features that make researching colleges, financial aid, and application steps easier and more organized.
College Knowledge Jeopardy Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) In this interactive activity, students play Jeopardy to test their knowledge of the college-going process. Topics include paying for college, types of colleges, admissions, and choosing a major. This activity reinforces important information in an interactive and engaging way.
College Decisions Decision Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) In this interactive activity, students reflect on their personal preferences and key factors that influence their college choices. By considering aspects such as location, size, cost, and programs of study, they gain a clearer understanding of what matters most in their decision-making. This activity helps students begin shaping a college list that aligns with their goals and priorities.
College Bingo Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) In this interactive activity, students collect information from teachers and staff about their college experiences to complete their bingo cards. The activity encourages conversation, curiosity, and learning about different college paths. It’s a fun way for students to explore higher education opportunities and hear real-life perspectives.
Celebrities That Went to College Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 15 minutes) In this interactive activity, students learn about celebrities who attended college, including the degrees they earned and the schools they attended. Participants explore how higher education contributed to their career paths and successes. The activity combines entertainment with learning to show students the real-world value of a college education.
College Knowledge Feud Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) In this interactive activity, students test and refresh their understanding of postsecondary options, financial aid, and the overall college-going process. Teams compete to answer questions in a fun, game-show format that keeps everyone engaged. The activity reinforces important information while encouraging collaboration and friendly competition.
Career Exploration & Development
Claim Your Future Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) This interactive activity encourages exploration of education and training after high school, future careers, and money management. Ideal for groups of 30 or smaller and can also be done online.
Years for Careers Activity – (middle school students to seniors; approx. 45 minutes) In this interactive activity students are exposed to a wide variety of career options while highlighting the education and training needed for each. It encourages students to explore new possibilities and consider pathways they may not have previously thought about.
Parent Engagement
Overview of ISAC Services Presentation – (approx. 30 minutes) ISAC provides numerous services and initiatives for students and their families that can assist them with their postsecondary plans. An overview of these free services and initiatives will be given along with how parents can benefit from them and utilize them to help support their student.
Parent Conversations – (approx. 30 to 60 minutes per session) Parents and other adult family members of first generation college students are often unfamiliar with the college application and financial aid process that their students face. Through this series of five separate informal, interactive conversations, ISAC’s parent outreach coordinators will address the core elements of the US educational system; discuss strategies for career exploration; discuss and explain the different types of postsecondary institutions; provide a general overview of the financial aid process and terminology; and how those who may be new to the college-going process can support their student with their postsecondary plans.
Supporting Your High School Student Presentation – (approx. 60 minutes) Parents and other family members can play an integral role in helping get their students ready for college. This series of four presentations address and discuss the various activities and tasks at each high school grade level that parents and other adult family members can conduct to help support their student and prepare them for the postsecondary path that best fits their needs and goals.
The Journey Starts Now: From 9 th Grade to College Ready Presentation (approx. 60 minutes) Preparing for college is a journey that begins early—and for first-generation students, parental support can make all the difference. This session is designed specifically for parents to learn how they can actively support their high school students, starting as early as freshman year, in navigating the college process with confidence. This presentation is organized into four key areas: staying motivated through challenges, standing out through academics and extracurriculars, exploring the right college fit, and understanding financial aid options. Whether parents are new to the process or looking to get more involved, this session provides practical tools and guidance to support their child every step of the way.
Early Awareness in Education: A Roadmap to Success Presentation (approx. 60 minutes) This session outlines the educational journey from early education through college, highlighting key stages: early childhood education, elementary, middle, high school, and college. It emphasizes the importance of parental awareness and involvement at each stage, offering practical tips for parents to support their children’s learning and growth. The presentation will provide insights on how parents can foster a positive educational experience and help their children succeed academically at every level.
