ISAC Announces Illinois State Scholars

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is pleased to announce the 2006 Illinois State Scholar finalists.  The Illinois State Scholars program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement.

“These students should be very proud of their accomplishments.  The Commission congratulates them and wishes them the best as they continue their education,” stated Larry E. Matejka, ISAC’s Executive Director.

Students ranking in the top ten percent of the state’s 139,500 high school graduating seniors have been named Illinois State Scholars.  Selection is based on SAT I and/or ACT test score results and/or the students’ class rank at the end of the junior year of high school.  While the program does not provide a monetary award, qualified students are encouraged to list the honor on applications for college admissions and scholarships.

ISAC works with high school guidance counselors to provide lists of each school’s State Scholar students to allow schools to appropriately recognize their students.

As the State of Illinois’ centralized provider of financial assistance, aimed at helping all students gain access to a college education, ISAC administers several financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and educational loans.  More information about ISAC's programs, products, and services is available at collegezone.com. Specific questions can be directed to ISAC’s College Zone Counselors through the toll-free number at 800.899.ISAC (4722) or through e-mail at collegezone@isac.org.  Spanish-speaking counselors and a variety of publications in Spanish are available to assist families. 

About ISAC
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is the State’s centralized provider of financial assistance aimed at helping students and families access postsecondary education and/or training. Each year, the Commission awards an estimated $400 million in scholarship and grant aid to nearly 185,000 qualified students, and also provides an additional $740 million to borrowers through its student loan programs. The agency offers credit-based alternative loans, a 529 prepaid tuition program known as College Illinois!, and a broad array of outreach and informational services to ensure that families have access to the information they need to pay for a college education. More information is available by calling toll-free 800.899.ISAC (4722) or visiting the agency’s Web site at www.collegezone.com.