Illinois Student Assistance Commission Unveils College Zone

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has unveiled a new resource for Illinois students and families.  College Zone, a one-stop source for college information in Illinois, has been created to promote the extensive services offered by ISAC to help Illinois students and families plan for college. 
College Zone offers a comprehensive array of planning and assistance programs through:

• A new, user-friendly Web site – collegezone.com
• One-on-one counseling through 800-899-ISAC (4722)
• Brochures that provide information throughout the college experience.

ISAC is also working with the State’s community colleges to establish local College Zone outreach centers to provide year-round assistance with the financial aid application process.

“Families are overwhelmed by all the materials available on planning and paying for college,” explained Governor Rod Blagojevich.  “By putting all the best information about college into College Zone, and making it available for families anytime, any day, Illinois has truly become a national leader in providing a one-stop, trusted source for college information.”

College Zone is designed to provide Illinois families with information that pertains to them specifically at their current stage of planning for college.  For example, the Web site provides individual zones for adult learners, high school students, and parents of young children. Each zone provides a timeline of activities to assist students or parents with prioritizing their planning efforts.

And to reach out to the growing Hispanic population in Illinois, College Zone also provides information in Spanish, both on the Web site and brochures.  Spanish-speaking counselors are available via the toll-free telephone number.

“Whether they are seniors in high school or adults looking for a new career, all students – and potential students - need to know how to apply for financial aid, and they need to apply as early possible,” stated Larry Matejka, ISAC’s Executive Director.  “The Commission’s new approach to outreach ensures that every student has up-to-date, reliable access to that information.”

Students and families can learn more about College Zone by visiting the Web site at collegezone.com or by calling 800-899-ISAC (4722).

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.