ISAC-CPS Partnership: Monitoring College Access

Data-based guidance critical in improving postsecondary education awareness

CHICAGO - A unique partnership between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is allowing the nation’s third-largest school district to effectively identify potentially college-bound students and provide timely financial aid guidance through the often confusing application process.

Through the partnership, ISAC provides a data analysis of those completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to CPS, allowing the district to effectively track its students and intervene to ensure those eligible for financial aid have the best chance at receiving it.

“Here is a tremendous example of intergovernmental cooperation at all levels,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis. “A local school district utilizing the service of a state agency to crunch federal data to benefit students - This is how government for the people should work.”

By completing and submitting a FAFSA, a typical CPS student can qualify up to approximately $10,000 in need-based grant money. ISAC was the first agency to eliminate its own grant application in favor of utilizing the FAFSA, simplifying the financial aid process for Illinois residents. Thus, the FAFSA is the key to acquiring both federal and state aid. 

“The partnership between Chicago Public Schools and ISAC is probably the most unique approach for improving the number of students completing the FAFSA application in the country,” added Greg Darnieder, Director of CPS’ Department of College and Career Preparation. “This unique arrangement gives school counselors and Department of College & Career Preparation personnel the ability to monitor and give support to each of our 18,000 seniors in a timely manner with updates distributed each week for 6 months.”

February is College Awareness and Preparation (CAP) Month, and CPS high schools will host more than 75 different FAFSA completion and financial aid-related workshops and activities across the district. Students and parents are asked to attend these workshops where staff and, at some locations, ISAC and college financial aid experts will be on hand to assist families with FAFSA completion. In some locations, tax experts from non-profit organizations will also be present. 

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides students of all ages and backgrounds with the resources and support to obtain financial aid for higher education. This spring, ISAC has committed to participate in 282 such workshops and presentations throughout the state.

A state agency, ISAC has paved the path to post-secondary education with innovative programs for more than 50 years. Last year alone, ISAC continued its mission to make college affordable for Illinois students by issuing 185,000 grants and scholarships totaling more than $448 million. 

The Commission coordinates educational funding with student loans, as a loan guarantor and via numerous public programs such as the successful Monetary Award Program (MAP), the Illinois Veteran Grant and College Illinois!(SM) the Commission’s groundbreaking 529 prepaid college tuition program. Students and families have free access to a wealth of financial aid and college planning information at ISAC’s family of websites available at: http://www.knowhow2goillinois.org/.

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.