ISAC Student PortalISAC Update
VOL. 43, NO. 9F
March 2026
| Messages sent to: | Multiple Subscription Groups |
| ISAC Update |
Welcome to the March 2026 ISAC Update for financial aid administrators and business officers. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent through ISAC's e-Messaging service throughout March.
The articles in this Update have been organized according to the FAA subscription groups to which the messages were distributed.
Questions?
Questions regarding information in this ISAC Update can be directed to Partner Services by calling 866.247.2172 or sending an email message to [email protected]. On occasion, you may be directed to a specific contact person or area; when this occurs, we will provide the appropriate information in the individual article or message.
Learn About Workplace Pell: April 6 Webinar
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on March 31, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
Illinois is preparing to launch Workforce Pell, a new federal expansion of Pell Grants that - beginning July 1, 2026 - will allow eligible students to use financial aid for high‑quality, short‑term workforce training programs. This change will have important implications for employers, colleges, training providers, workforce leaders, advisors, and learners across the state.
Please join the April 6 webinar from 3:00–4:00 p.m. (CT) to learn how Illinois is approaching this opportunity and what it may mean for your organization.
The webinar will:
- Provide an overview of Workforce Pell and key eligibility requirements
- Share the state’s cross‑agency approach and implementation timeline
- Outline next steps and opportunities for stakeholder input
Please share this invitation with your colleagues and others in your network who may want to learn more and help ensure this opportunity strengthens pathways to good jobs for Illinoisans.
Submit 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Certification Data
Sent to Financial Aid Directors and Financial Aid Administrators on March 25, 2026.
The following provides important updates regarding the 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program.
2025-26 Certification Data Being Accepted
Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2026, colleges may certify eligibility for the 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program using the Teachers of Illinois system.
Reminders
- Colleges are encouraged to certify eligibility for Teachers of Illinois applicants on a daily basis throughout the year, to ensure that your students will be included in the awarding process.
- Separate notification will not be sent when new records are made available in the Teachers of Illinois system.
- The schedule for awarding 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholars will be announced once determined.
- All certification records available in the Teachers of Illinois system must be completed, regardless of whether the college certifies a student as eligible or ineligible and regardless of whether the student is currently enrolled.
- The only way applicants will receive notification from ISAC regarding their eligibility status is if their colleges have submitted the certification data via the Teachers of Illinois system.
- The Teachers of Illinois system is available each day from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (CT).
Applications Still Being Accepted
The 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program application continues to be accepted, even though the February 16, 2026 priority consideration date has passed. Complete applications – including the 2025-26 FAFSA (or Alternative Application, if applicable) – received after this date will continue to be considered for the Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program for as long as funding remains after all timely complete applicants have been awarded.
Future Updates
Watch for future updates regarding the 2025-26 Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program – including information about payment processing, once available – via our usual methods of communication (including the Teachers of Illinois Program News page, the FAA Message Board, and ISAC's e-Messaging service).
Science Meets Wisdom: Virtual FAN Event
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 25, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
You're invited to an engaging and thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Family Action Network (FAN), exploring what it truly means to thrive in today's world.
FAN will present Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient Wisdom Reveal a Simple Path to Thriving, featuring the book's authors:
- Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D. – William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds
- Cortland Dahl, Ph.D. – Contemplative Scientist and co-founder of the Center for Healthy Minds and Chief Contemplative Officer at Humin
This meaningful conversation will be moderated by ISAC's very own Jacqueline Moreno, Chief Service Officer, bringing a trusted and familiar voice to guide the discussion.
Together, they will explore how cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient contemplative practices can help individuals build resilience, reduce stress, and cultivate lasting well-being. These insights are especially relevant for those supporting students and communities.
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
12:00 p.m. CT
Free and open to the public (appropriate for youth 12+)
Bonus Book Giveaway: FAN is giving away copies of Born to Flourish to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details are provided on the webinar registration page.
Register here: www.bit.ly/DDFANWebinar
As a proud sponsor of this FAN event, ISAC is excited to uplift this conversation and highlight the leadership of Jacqueline Moreno in bringing these insights to our community.
We hope you'll join us.
2025-26 Payment Updates and Reminders
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 23, 2026.
Links in this message are to corresponding pages at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) website (isac.org).
As of Monday, March 23, 2026, the ISAC Gift Assistance Programs (GAP) Access portal is available for submission of third-term payment requests (claims). Colleges are encouraged to submit 2025-26 claims as soon as possible.
You may scroll through this message, or click on a link to go to a specific section.
Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program
Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program
Grant Programs for Dependents of Police/Fire/Correctional (PFC) Officers (second and third term payment now open)
Nursing Education Scholarship (NES)
Reminders for Submitting Claims
Third-Term Claims Now Being Accepted; Due May 8
ISAC is accepting 2025-26 MAP third-term claims.
The 2025-26 MAP claim deadline for the third term is Friday, May 8, 2026.
Second-Term Claims Due March 27
As originally announced in January, the 2025-26 MAP claim deadline for the second term is Friday, March 27, 2026. Initial claims and upward adjustment amounts submitted for the second term after the March 27th deadline date will be held as late, to be considered for payment later in the year.
- ISAC is accepting 2025-26 ECACE Scholarship claims for the second and third term.
- The second-term ECACE priority claim deadline date is Monday, March 30, 2026
- The third-term ECACE priority claim deadline date is Monday, May 8, 2026
- Even though the priority claim deadline of December 31, 2025 has passed for the first (fall) term, ISAC is continuing to accept and pay ECACE first-term claims through May 8, 2026.
As reminder, ECACE scholarship funds are awarded to students at the start of the academic year. The program’s flexibility allows students to use funds throughout the year; however, ISAC may release funds from students who have not enrolled or will not use their full award in order to reallocate those funds to other eligible students. This provides an opportunity for additional students to receive an ECACE scholarship.
To help maximize available funding for students:
- All schools are asked to submit second-term ECACE claims by the March 30 deadline. If you are aware that a student is not enrolled or will not use their funds, please prioritize submitting claims for those students.
- ISAC will begin releasing funds from students who will not use their awards around the first week of April.
- Released funds will be re-awarded to eligible students who were not initially funded due to limited program resources.
Additionally, ISAC plans to conduct another release and re-award of funds in late April, closer to the third-term claim deadline.
Thank you for your partnership. Timely claim submission is critical to ensuring we can redistribute unused funds and serve as many students as possible.
More information regarding ECACE payment functionality, including detailed instructions, is available at the following locations:
- ECACE Electronic Processing (including the ECACE User Guide)
- ECACE Payment
- ISAC is accepting 2025-26 Golden Apple claims for the second and third term.
- The second-term Golden Apple priority claim deadline date is Monday, March 30, 2026
- The third-term Golden Apple priority claim deadline date is Monday, May 8, 2026
- Even though the priority claim deadline of December 31, 2025 has passed for the first (fall) term, ISAC is continuing to accept and pay Golden Apple first-term claims through May 8, 2026.
More information regarding Golden Apple payment functionality, including detailed instructions, is available at the following locations:
Second and third-term payment is now open.
- ISAC is accepting 2025-26 PFC claims for the second and third term.
- The second-term PFC priority claim deadline date is Monday, March 30, 2026
- The third-term PFC priority claim deadline date is Monday, May 8, 2026
- Even though the priority claim deadline of January 23, 2026 has passed for the first (fall) term, ISAC is continuing to accept and pay PFC first-term claims through May 8, 2026.
More information regarding PFC payment functionality, including detailed instructions, is available at the following locations:
- PFC Electronic Processing (including the PFC User Guide)
- PFC Payment
- ISAC is accepting 2025-26 NES claims for the second and third term.
- The second-term NES priority claim deadline date is Monday, March 30, 2026
- The third-term NES priority claim deadline date is Monday, May 8, 2026
- Even though the priority claim deadline of December 31, 2025 has passed for the first (fall) term, ISAC is continuing to accept and pay NES first-term claims through May 8, 2026.
More information regarding NES payment functionality, including detailed instructions, is available at the following locations:
- NES Electronic Processing (including the NES User Guide)
- NES Payment
Reminders for Submitting Claims
- Colleges are always encouraged to submit claims as soon as they are able to do so.
- Regularly check the "Payment List" for each program's system (within the GAP Access portal) to identify newly-added records that are available for payment.
- The timely submission of claims and cancellations/adjustments allows ISAC staff to monitor remaining funds and award other students, as applicable.
- By submitting a claim for an ISAC-administered gift assistance program, the institution is confirming that the student is enrolled and continues to meet all eligibility requirements for the program.
- If not submitting a claim, the institution reports the reason for the student's ineligibility.
- Submitting claims is a two-step process, which involves generating the request and then submitting the request.
- Payment results are available via the program's electronic system in GAP Access on a daily basis.
- Colleges are encouraged to always review the Payment Results/Exceptions report, which is available the day after claims are processed.
- The disbursement of funds is processed by the State Comptroller's Office.
- Refer to the State Comptroller's Website page, located within the Processes section of the Financial Aid Administrators area, for information on how to track payment.
- Refer to each program's "Payment" area to view information regarding a report for tracking payment vouchers and warrants.
- Because Payment Offset and Reconciliation procedures apply to each of the programs referenced above, refund checks should not be sent for cancellations/adjustments made throughout the award year.
- Funds should only be returned to ISAC after a final reconciliation has been completed at the end of the regular school year.
Watch for Future Updates
Future program updates will be shared with colleges via ISAC's standard methods of communication, including: the "Program News" area for each program; the FAA Message Board; and, ISAC's e-Messaging service.
Don't miss out on upcoming Professional Development opportunities from ISAC!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 18, 2026.
Join ISAC for our FREE upcoming Professional Development Opportunities! Professional Development and Continuing Education hours will be available.
March 24, 2026
Virtual FAFSA® Symposium
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Webex
The FAFSA Symposium provides an opportunity for practitioners and professionals to share best practices for supporting students in completing financial aid applications.
Now offered virtually, the symposium increases access for professionals across the state.
Visit the FAFSA Symposium webpage for more details.
April 21, 2026
PaCE Curriculum Training
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign IL
This training will highlight ISAC's Illinois PaCE Curriculum for grades 6–8. Attendees will review the curriculum structure and participate in activities that will help them implement their PaCE Framework.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Registration is now open for the 2026 FAFSA Symposium!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 13, 2026.
Register now to secure your spot for the 2026 FAFSA Symposium, taking place virtually March 24, 2026! Registration is free. We hope to see you there!
Continuing education/professional development hours are available!
This year’s sessions include:
- FAFSA Symposium Welcome & Kick Off
- Overview of New ISAC Programs
- Conducting Successful Financial Aid Application Completion Workshops
- A New Approach: Helping Students Understand Financial Literacy
- From High School to College in One Click
- A Guide to the 2026-27 Alternative Application
- Accessing DCFS Postsecondary Education Supports
Visit the FAFSA Symposium webpage for more details.
For questions, contact [email protected].
ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on March 25
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 12, 2026.
Plan to join the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 for a "Monthly Program & Operational Update" webinar for financial aid administrators.
Future monthly webinars will take place at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Registration is not required for these webinars. Participate by accessing the webinar link and presentation materials at the Partner Training page in the e-Library on the day of the event.
Requests for specific topics or questions you would like an upcoming webinar to address may be submitted by sending an email to Partner Services at [email protected].
2026 FAFSA® Symposium – Join Virtually March 24, 2026
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 6, 2026.
To better accommodate participants and engagement across the state, the 2026 FAFSA® Symposium on March 24, 2026, will be moved to a virtual format. Join us to gain practical tools, connect with peers, and support students and families through the financial aid process.
At the virtual symposium, attendees will:
- Discover how to incorporate equity and inclusion to support students and families through the financial aid process
- Hear strategies to collaborate with financial aid offices
- Learn about barriers first generation students face while navigating the financial aid process
- Understand the changes being made to the 2026-2027 FAFSA and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
Registration is free! Visit the FAFSA Symposium landing page for more information. Continuing education/professional development hours will be available.
We are excited to see you!
For questions, contact [email protected].
ISAC Sessions During 2026 ILASFAA Conference
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 4, 2026.
The Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (ILASFAA) annual conference – Navigating the Upside Down – will be an in-person event taking place March 9-11, 2026, at the Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel in Lombard, Illinois.
Please plan to join us for one or more of the following sessions during which Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) staff members will be presenting and/or participating
ISAC General Session
- ISAC Update General Session
Tuesday, March 10th
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Ballroom E, F
ISAC Presenters:
Eric Zarnikow – Executive Director
Katharine Gricevich – Director, Government Relations
Stephanie Schmitz-Bechteler – Managing Director, Program Services & Compliance
ISAC Interest Sessions
- NASFAA Credential – Cost of Attendance
Monday, March 9th
8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Room I, J
Presenters:
Sherry Schonauer – Assistant Director of Partner Services
Janet Haynes – Senior Student Financial Aid Administrator, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana
- Reframing Self-Care: Building a Lifestyle that Empowers You to Serve Others
Monday, March 9th
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Room G, H
Presenter:
Dada Ibrahimovic – Outreach Content Specialist
- ISAC Program Overview
Monday, March 9th
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Room I, J
Presenter:
Hannah Castellanos – Partner Services Specialist
- Through the Portal: FAFSA Simplification Then and Now
Tuesday, March 10th
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Room G, H
Presenters:
Salma Uribe – Training & Development Specialist
Ana Moya – Manager, Professional Learning Communities
- ISAC Financial Aid Completion Initiative
Tuesday, March 10th
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Room C, D
Presenters:
Nicole Boyd – Training & Development Specialist
Olivia Sanchez – Network Development Specialist
- Unlock the Curiosity Door to the Alternative Application: A Review of the 2026-27 Alternative Application Process
Tuesday, March 10th
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Room G, H
Presenter:
Krystal Sanchez – Training & Development Specialist
All times listed are Central.
Registration for the conference is still open. Find more information and register on the ILASFAA website conference page. There is also single day registration for those who can't attend the entire conference.
Once onsite for the conference, refer to the conference agenda to verify the time and location of each session. For more details regarding the 2026 ILASFAA conference, visit the conference area of the ILASFAA website.
We hope to see you there!
Reminder: 2026 FAFSA® Symposium taking place March 24, 2026! Call for Proposals now open, deadline extended!
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, Public Schools – Participating in the ING Grant and IVG Programs, MAP Users, Business Officers, ECACE Administrators, and NES Schools on March 3, 2026.
Our Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Symposium session proposal form will now remain open until Friday, March 13, 2026! Session guidelines can be found on the session proposal form.
We invite school counselors, college and career staff, financial aid administrators, community-based organizations, and other college-access professionals to submit a session proposal to present at the sixth annual FAFSA Symposium!
Reserve Your Spot, Register Today!
Register before Friday, March 20, 2026! Advance registration is required. Walk-in registration is not available. Registration for the symposium is $25 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and symposium materials. You can register here, and for more information about the symposium, visit the FAFSA Symposium page.
For questions, contact [email protected].
2026-27 NES Application Due April 30
Sent to Financial Aid Directors, Financial Aid Administrators, and NES Schools on March 2, 2026.
The application for the 2026-27 Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) is now available.
Program Highlights
This program provides assistance to individuals who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing, a bachelor's or graduate degree in nursing, or a graduate degree in nursing to become a nurse educator and who demonstrate the greatest financial need among qualified students.
- NES awards pay a portion of tuition and fee charges, plus – for full-time students only – a living allowance.
- The scholarship pays for coursework within the nursing curriculum, but does not pay for pre-requisite coursework.
- The number of years for which NES funding may be received is based on the certificate, diploma, or degree being pursued.
- Scholarship recipients must begin full- or part-time employment as a licensed practical or registered nurse or nurse educator in Illinois within six months of graduating, and remain employed for a period equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship.
- If this commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan, which must be repaid with interest.
Dates and Deadlines
The application process must be completed each year an applicant wishes to receive funding, regardless of whether the applicant has received a previous award (renewal).
To be considered for funds during the 2026-27 academic year, the complete NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note – along with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) – must be submitted as outlined below.
- The 2026-27 NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note must be submitted on or before Thursday, April 30, 2026 (no applications will be accepted after this date).
- When the NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note is submitted on or before April 30:
- Applicants have until Sunday, May 31, 2026 to submit the FAFSA.
- Because it is the most secure means of completing this portion of the application process, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide their signatures electronically when they first complete and submit their 2026-27 NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note.
- If a signature is not provided at the time the NES Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note is submitted, applicants will have until Sunday, May 31, 2026 to print, sign and submit this document to ISAC via the "NES Print & Sign your Application" option (located on the Program Applications & Status Checks page of the ISAC Student Portal).
Learn More
The following NES resources are available at the ISAC website (isac.org).
- General information for students
- General information for financial aid professionals
- Eligibility requirements
- Online application
What's Next?
Colleges utilize the NES system to administer NES awards, and will be notified as certification functionality becomes available, awarding takes place, and payment processing begins later this year. Future updates will be provided via ISAC's standard methods of communication, including: the NES Program News page; the FAA Message Board; and, this e-Messaging service.
February 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
Sent on March 2, 2026.
The February 2026 edition of the ISAC Update is now available for your review, and may be accessed via the Partner e-Messages & Newsletters section of the e-Library for Partners at isac.org. This version of the electronic ISAC Update is a compilation of e-Messages sent to financial aid administrators and business officers via ISAC's e-Messaging service over the past month.
Topics covered in the February 2026 ISAC Update include:
- Save the Date for the 2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Symposium! Call for Proposals now open!
(sent February 25, 2026) - Workforce Pell: Preliminary Information
(sent February 18, 2026) - Last Seats: Disengaged Teen Author Event
(sent February 17, 2026) - Upcoming Important Dates from ISAC
(sent February 13, 2026) - Register Now for 2026 Success Network Conference
(sent February 11, 2026) - ISAC Monthly Webinar for FAAs on February 25
(sent February 10, 2026) - Registration is Open for the 2026 ILASFAA Conference
(sent February 10, 2026) - Join Us: The Disengaged Teen Book Talk
(sent February 2, 2026) - January 2026 Electronic ISAC Update
(sent February 2, 2026)
