ISAC Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Future Leaders at “College Changes Everything” Conference
Springfield, IL – July 10, 2025 – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) proudly hosted its 15th annual “College Changes Everything” conference yesterday, July 10, 2025. This year’s pivotal event, themed “How Do We Build Community?”, brought together educators, counselors, community leaders, and students from across the state to foster collaboration and share strategies for enhancing college access and success.
The conference, held at a vibrant venue in Springfield, served as a crucial platform for discussing the profound impact of higher education and, more specifically, on building supportive and inclusive communities within educational institutions and the wider student body. With a decade and a half of history, the “College Changes Everything” conference has become a cornerstone event, consistently highlighting the transformative power of post-secondary education and its role in shaping brighter futures for Illinois’ youth.
This year’s theme, “How Do We Build Community?”, underscored a commitment to creating environments where all students feel a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement as they navigate their educational journeys. Discussions throughout the day focused on innovative approaches to fostering student engagement, developing mentorship programs, addressing barriers to college access, and promoting a culture of shared success.
Attendees engaged in a series of insightful workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. These sessions were designed to equip participants with practical tools and actionable strategies to effectively guide and support students in their pursuit of higher education. Key topics likely explored included the importance of diverse representation in college settings, the role of peer support networks, strategies for engaging families, and leveraging community resources to create robust support systems.
“The 15th annual ‘College Changes Everything’ conference marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure that every Illinois student has the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams,” stated an ISAC representative. “This year’s focus on building community is particularly vital. When students feel connected and supported, their likelihood of not only enrolling in college but also thriving and graduating increases dramatically. We are proud to facilitate these important conversations and to continue our work in building a more equitable and accessible educational landscape for all.”
The conference provided a valuable opportunity for professionals to share best practices and learn from one another, strengthening the collective network dedicated to college readiness and attainment in Illinois. The insights and connections forged at this year’s event are expected to have a lasting positive impact on countless students across the state as they embark on their post-secondary adventures. ISAC remains steadfast in its mission to provide the resources and support necessary for Illinois students to realize the full potential of a college education.
ISAC HOSTS 15TH ANNUAL COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING CONFERENCE: HOW DO WE BUILD COMMUNITY?
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