First introduced in 1958, the Illinois State Scholars has chosen over 18,800 elite honorees to join the other top Illinois high school students honored with the prestigious designation for 2015-16, which was represented by 671 high schools from across Illinois. “It is with great pride that we announce this year’s group of Illinois State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Executive Director. “In addition to congratulating our State Scholars for their commitment and hard work, we also want to commend their parents, teachers, coaches and mentors for helping these students achieve their goals. It really does take a village. We wish all of these scholars the best as they pursue their future education and careers.”
A list of current Illinois State Scholars can be found at http://www.isac.org/students/before-college/college-career-planning/state-scholar.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission encourages students interested in attending college for the 2015 fall to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1, 2015 to determine eligibility for federal and state aid, including Illinois’ need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.
A calendar of free financial aid and college access events, including FAFSA completion workshops to assist students and families with the form, is available on ISAC’s website, www.ISAC.org. Students can visit the agency’s website for a wealth of additional financial aid and college planning information and tools, as well as information on how to access one-on-one assistance and mentoring in the college-going process.
“We know that postsecondary education can not only improve individual success and achievement, but can improve communities as well—from decreasing crime rates to improving life expectancy,” said Zarnikow. “Our State Scholars should be proud of all they have achieved in their four years of high school, and we look forward to seeing how their success can help change Illinois for the better.”
Illinois State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT, or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or on class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with Illinois Student Assistance Commission to determine the winners.