Governor Declares National Credit Education Week

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has proclaimed the week  of April 14-19, 2003 to be “National Credit Education Week” in Illinois. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), in cooperation with the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, is co-sponsoring National Credit Education Week as part of the agency’s educational program designed to help consumers realize the value of good credit. This year’s theme is “Credit Education. . .Don’t Spend Without It!”  The observance stresses the need for citizens to understand credit and the importance of strong money management skills.

“Sound financial management is difficult, especially in these 'pay later' times.  However, using credit wisely, helps to build financial health and peace of mind", said Larry Matejka, Executive Director of ISAC.  

“By participating in National Credit Education Week, as part of our Default Prevention Outreach Services, ISAC is taking the initiative to educate student borrowers on ways to control spending, budget their income and solve student loan problems before they get out of control.”

The ISAC's Default Prevention Outreach program has developed an array of literature on this subject to assist Illinois colleges and universities in educating their students on how to manage their educational finances.  Additionally, ISAC representatives are visiting college campuses and delivering presentations on the importance of personal financial education including budgeting, credit reports, and credit card abuse and fraud.  A copy of the personal finance education presentation is available on ISAC’s Web site.  

Students and families interested in receiving more information about ISAC’s programs and services should contact the agency at 800-899-ISAC (4722) or visit the Web site at http://www.collegezone.com/. Bilingual telephonerepresentatives are available.

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.