Illinois FAFSA Mandate - High School Graduation Requirement
Public Act 101-180 requires that public high school students must complete the FAFSA or, as eligible, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. A waiver provision is possible and allows a parent, guardian, or the student - if 18 or emancipated - to opt out for any reason by completing the appropriate form.
ISAC FAFSA Completion Initiative
Pursuant to the law, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will lead these efforts. However, because of ISAC's deep experience in assisting students across the state with college planning, the financial aid process and FAFSA completion, ISAC will be supporting these efforts.
The FAFSA Completion Initiative provides the means for high school districts across the state to identify which of their students have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in a given academic year.
Part of the FAFSA Completion Initiative support team, is the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates who are trained to serve as near-peer mentors for students, are available across the state to assist students and families with college planning and financial aid. The ISACorps provide one-on-one assistance as well as presentations and workshops.
More information regarding Public Act 101-180, The FAFSA Completion Initiative and the ISCorps can be found at the following link Illinois FAFSA Mandate: Training and Support (isac.org)
ISVI Support
ISVI staff must provide support and assistance to students and parents/guardians in the application process. ISVI students are fortunate to have the support of the Department or Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Bureau of the Blind Services (BBS). ISVI's BBS Counselor, Ms. Kathy Dyson, can also assist in supporting the completion of FASFA. Kathy can be reached by email at Kathy.Dyson@illinois.gov
ISVI Principal, Mrs. Jasmine Wells can be reached by email at Jasmine.Wells@illinois.gov with any questions or concerns. We encourage you to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.
Financial Aid Forms:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid: https://studentportal.isac.org/en/alternativeapp
FAFSA Non-Participation Form -- English: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/FAFSA-Non-Participation-Form.pdf
FAFSA Non-Participation Form -- Spanish: http://www.isbe.net/Documents/FAFSA-Non-Participation-Form-Spanish.pdf
