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We are pleased to welcome the second cohort of the ISACorps Alumni Steering Committee for the 2025-2026 term!
Established in 2024, the ISACorps Alumni Steering Committee serves as a dedicated council of alumni committed to fostering meaningful connections with current Corps members to enhance their social capital. The committee actively supports the growth of the ISACorps alumni network by facilitating connections among alumni and promoting participation in events. Additionally, they provide suggestions and recommendations to strengthen and guide all alumni-focused initiatives.
- Jamese Carrell (2011), Relationship Manager at the United Negro College Fund
- Jessica Diaz (2020), Research and Education Informationist at the Medical University of South Carolina Libraries
- Jackson Esela (2022), Academic Advisor at Loyola University Chicago
- Redell Hendricks (2016), Community Relations Coordinator at Washington University in St. Louis
- Jasmine Johnson (2018), Housing Program Supervisor at Sarah’s Inn
- Danielle Long (2014), Financial Aid Trainer at DePaul University
- Monica Masini (2019), School Counselor at Notre Dame College Prep
- Alexander Skarr (2017), Senior Associate Consultant at Financial Aid Services, LLC.
- Citlali Solano (2018), College Match Alumni Advisor at KIPP Chicago
- James Patrick Yost, Ed.D. (2014) Residential Education and Training Manager at Children’s Home Association of Illinois
Check out their bios and learn more about their careers and passion for serving their communities-at-large.
Join Our New BrightCrowd Alumni Affinity Groups!
We’re excited to launch alumni affinity groups to help you connect with peers who share your passions and career paths in BrightCrowd, our digital yearbook! Whether you're a career changer, entrepreneur, working parent, or public service professional, there’s a community for you. You can join affinity groups focused on: international careers, alumni in higher education, entrepreneurship, public service, remote work, women in leadership, and more! Select your affinity group and sign up today. Once registered, you’ll receive an invitation to join your chosen communities. We can’t wait to connect with you!
First Up Podcast Season 2
Tune in to Episode 37: Spring Break on the First Up podcast, where ISAC’s Community Outreach Specialist Paul Oliver III joins host Brian White for a special discussion. Listen as Paul and Brian share important safety tips to help high school and college students have a safe and enjoyable break.
The First Up podcast dives deep into the unique and inspiring experiences of first-generation college students as they navigate their journeys before, during, and after college. Each episode is packed with authentic stories, challenges, and triumphs that highlight the resilience and determination of these trailblazers. Whether you’re a first-generation college student, an advocate, or simply curious about these incredible journeys, First Up offers valuable insights and powerful stories that will resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Listen now!
If you would like to be a guest on the podcast or have questions or comments, email us at isac.firstup@illinois.gov.
Corps Members Connect with Alumni During Career Planning Webinar
On February 10, Corps members had an incredible opportunity to connect with alumni during a career planning webinar hosted by Renee Martinez, ISAC’s state outreach specialist. The alumni provided great advice to our 2nd and 3rd year ISACorps members on what hiring managers look for when evaluating a candidate’s strengths, coachability, and overall fit for a position. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the alumni who generously shared their experiences, advice, and career journeys:
- Erik Rancatore (2009)
- Duane Willingham II (2017)
Thank you for giving back to the ISAC community! Watch Erik and Duane engage in a meaningful conversation with our Corps members!
Spring 2025 Illinois PaCE Framework Trainings – Registration Open!
Registration is open for ISAC’s spring Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework trainings. These trainings are free to attend and open to middle school and high school counselors, administrators, college and career staff, and others supporting students’ postsecondary success. Remember that Illinois will require all school districts (other than Chicago’s) to adopt and commence implementation of a PaCE Framework for grades 6 – 12 no later than July 1, 2025.
Join us for a full-day PaCE Module training to learn how schools, districts, and communities statewide are advancing college and career readiness. The training will Include time to collaborate with your team and ISAC.
Location: Waubonsee Community College
Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
We’re also offering a half-day training on the Illinois PaCE Curriculum for sixth through eighth grade. Participants will explore how the curriculum aligns with the Illinois PaCE benchmarks and enhances student engagement.
Location: Elgin Community College
Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
For details and registration, visit the Professional Development Offerings page. Questions? Contact isac.pace@illinois.gov.
Success Network Conference Presentations and Videos Available Now
On Tuesday, February 25, the Illinois Education and Career Success Network's 12th annual conference, themed Building the Future We Want: Increasing Equitable Postsecondary Attainment was held at the I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois. The conference was an engaging learning opportunity designed for leaders from secondary and postsecondary education, local and state government, community-based organizations, policy advocates, grant makers, employers, and other stakeholders interested in equitably increasing postsecondary attainment in Illinois. Check out the conference presentations and videos.
Support for Financial Aid Applications: Free Resources for Students
For students who have not yet completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) for the 2025-26 cycle, we want to remind you that the ISACorps of near peer mentors are available to assist students and families with their financial aid applications. Students can book a virtual one-on-one meeting with an ISACorps staff member using the ISAC Booking page at www.isac.org/booking. They can book a virtual meeting up to 7 days in advance, and there's an option to meet with a Spanish-speaking ISACorps member if they prefer. Please share this link with your students and colleagues in your network and community. In addition, ISACorps members are available to provide financial aid presentations and application completion workshops. You can schedule a presentation or workshop by completing an Outreach Request Form.
Illinois College Access Network (IllinoisCAN) Upcoming Meeting
Save the Date for ISAC’s next IllinoisCAN meeting on Tuesday, May 20 from 8:30 am-10:00 am. The meeting will be online allowing for participation by colleagues across the state who are passionate about and dedicated to helping students prepare for life after high school. If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, reach out to Renee Martinez at renee.martinez@illinois.gov.
Haven’t joined the Illinois College Access Network? Learn more and join the community today!
Upcoming ISAC Professional Development: In-Person and Virtual Trainings
To assist you in helping your students and families with the college-going and financial aid process, ISAC offers free trainings to school counselors, college and career staff, college admission counselors, and other education professionals. Professional Development (PD) hours and Continuing Education (CE) credits will be available for attendees at the rate of one unit per contact hour. For more information and registration details, visit ISAC's Professional Development page.
Family Action Network (FAN) Events
ISAC is pleased to continue sponsorship of selected FAN events. FAN is a non-profit organization that curates a high-quality speaker series. FAN’s accessible and dynamic events create common ground and provide the latest insights on education, psychology, social change, relationships, and well-being. All FAN programs are free and open to the public. Check out their upcoming and past events today. Feel free to share this information with your colleagues and network.
Job Opportunities and One-On-One Career Coaching!
Looking for a new job? Check out these positions! ISACorps Alumni Job Postings List.xlsx
If you are looking to advance your career, make a career change, find more balance in your current position, and/or assess your job satisfaction, then check out our career coaching program. Our alumni coordinator can help you develop a roadmap and specific plans to help you meet your career goals. This program is free to all our ISACorps alumni! Get started today by scheduling an appointment with our career coach. Fill out on the interest form and we will get back to you to schedule! We are here to help!
If you know of any job opportunities in your area and would like to share them with your fellow ISACorps alumni or current ISACorps members, please email ISAC.CorpsAlumni@illinois.gov.
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