Section 2751.30  Program Procedures

a)         An application for the scholarship must be submitted annually and an applicant must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application to receive a valid Student Aid Index (SAI). The ECACE application is available on ISAC's website. In order to receive priority consideration for an award, both applications, including all required documentation, must be completed and received by a priority date established each year by the Commission that will precede the academic year for which the scholarship is being requested.

b)         If the scholarship application is incomplete, ISAC will notify the applicant. The applicant will then have an opportunity to furnish the missing information; however, the application will only be considered for processing as of the date when the application is complete and received by ISAC.

c)         Award funds shall be applicable to an applicant's total cost of attendance for an award year after other financial aid received, up to a maximum of $7,500.

d)         Within the constraints of annual appropriation levels, two semester or three quarter term payments are made directly to the institution.

e)         ISAC shall select recipients from among those who have submitted complete applications and have supplied required information, including qualified timely renewal and new applicants.

f)         Awarding priority shall be given to renewal applicants, meaning those who were paid an ECACE benefit in the previous award year, who continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants will be prioritized for awarding based on their SAI from the FAFSA or Alternative Application, from lowest to highest.

g)         The total number of awards in a given fiscal year is contingent on available funding. If funding is insufficient to pay all eligible applicants, awards will be based on the date the completed application is received by ISAC. 

h)         Each qualified applicant who is selected to receive an award shall be notified by ISAC. Applicants not receiving the award will also be notified. 

i)          The total amount of funds awarded to a qualified recipient in any given academic year, when added to other financial aid available to the qualified recipient for that year, shall not exceed the cost of attendance. If the amount of financial aid to be awarded to a qualified student exceeds the institution's cost of attendance, the ECACE scholarship shall be reduced by the amount by the which the cost of attendance is exceeded. 

j)          ISAC pays award funds directly to the institution of record in the name of the recipient. 

k)         Prior to receiving scholarship assistance for any academic year, each qualified recipient must sign an agreement to pledge to continue or return to teaching or providing direct services in the early childhood care and education field in the State of Illinois after completion of their program of study.  [110 ILCS 947/65.125(e)]