|
 |
9/8/2009
Today, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), in partnership with numerous other higher education entities, kicked off a campaign aimed at rallying public support to urge state lawmakers to restore full-year awards made under the Monetary Award Program (MAP) for the 2009-10 academic year. MAP is ISAC's need-based aid program, which aids in paying tuition and mandatory fee expenses and helps pave the way to college for many Illinois students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend.
A severe revenue shortfall has resulted in approximately 138,000 MAP grant recipients receiving only half of the amount originally announced. The available funds will be distributed for the fall term only; no funds are currently available for spring term awards. That could change with action by the State Legislature to restore funding.
As part of the Save Illinois MAP Grants campaign, a new Web site, http://www.saveillinoismapgrants.org/, was launched to serve as the overall hub for campaign-related activities. Not only will the site announce all scheduled events in which concerned citizens can participate, there are also resources available for use in calling, writing or visiting your legislators to encourage their pursuit and support of restoring funding for MAP.
The site will also contain media coverage event details, an online petition, and resources for students, parents, educators and communities participating in this effort.
We very much look forward to your support throughout this extremely worthwhile campaign. Please share your concern about the reduced MAP funding with your legislators, family, friends and other higher education advocates. Use the resources available on the Save Illinois MAP Grants Web site to make your voices heard. Also, be sure to visit the Web site on a regular basis to stay up-to-date on the activities and events as the campaign progresses.
|
