Education, and how we think about and act on it, is transforming. As it evolves, so do we.

College Changes Everything® is now
education matters Illinois

Education Matters is a multi-dimensional movement, awareness campaign, and community of practice initiated by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Education Matters for students and families and for the social and economic health of our state. Education matters because it is the foundation on which opportunity is built. It strengthens families, fuels local economies, and helps build and nurture thriving, resilient communities. When education is prioritized and accessible to all, everything else becomes possible.

Helping students and families make informed decisions about education after high school is central to the ISAC mission. Through public awareness campaigns, statewide outreach, direct service via the Illinois Student Assistance Corps (ISACorps), and an array of communication tools, ISAC strives to provide accessible and comprehensive information about postsecondary options in Illinois.

Education Matters are at the intersection of nearly every public policy issue in today’s world. Convening stakeholders statewide and across professional practices is essential to identifying issues and building solutions that move Illinois forward. Through training and professional development, statewide convenings, professional networks, and extensive public-facing communication, ISAC supports practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in informed and collaborative discourse and action.

Education Matters because every learner matters. Every pathway matters. Every decision, every innovation, every act of support matters. Join us, because together, we can shape a better future for all of us.

Fall Education Matters Outreach Campaign

Our intensive fall outreach campaign to support students and families who are completing financial aid and college applications continues as the education matters Fall Campaign.

We invite schools and community partners to join the 2026-27 Education Matters Fall Campaign! To be considered an Education Matters Partner for the 2026-27 school year, schools and community-based organizations agree to host a college application workshop and a financial aid application completion workshop between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

Please use the outreach request form here to sign up for our 2026-27 Campaign. If you have any questions, please contact your local corps member by visiting ISAC’s Student Portal.

Stay tuned for a whole new campaign toolkit to support your efforts for you students, and new Education Matters Illinois swag!

Education Matters Events

The 16th Annual College Changes Everything Conference was held on July 16, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. For agenda, speakers, and presentations, visit https://www.collegechangeseverything.org/events/2026-cce-conference-information.html.

We look forward to seeing you at our Education Matters convenings in the coming year, and at the Education Matters Illinois Conference in summer 2027.

Land of Learning

Check out our Illinois Land of Learning “Freedom to Learn, Opportunity to Grow” campaign -- an on-going photo exploration of Illinois as a place where every student’s journey begins and evolves.