About ICAC

The Illinois College Advising Corps (ICAC) is a college access program initiated and administered by the three campuses of the University of Illinois (UI). ICAC is a college access program that seeks to increase the number of low income and underrepresented students applying to and attending a post-secondary institution by placing recent UI graduates thoroughly trained in college access in low income high schools throughout the state. These advisers act as a supplement to teachers and guidance counselors, with one main purpose: to aid students in acquiring the knowledge, resources and skills necessary to be successful in attaining a post-secondary education. Outreach to these students can vary from college visits, ACT/SAT prep workshops, college application submissions, scholarship research, financial need workshops and overall community awareness.

Another important and unique aspect of our program is the "near peer" relationship. As recent graduates of UI, the advisers share a closeness in age and experience to the students they serve, therefore becoming trusted role models. The close relationship that develops as a result of the "near peer" model is one of the most effective ways to encourage students to obtain a post-secondary degree.

Mission/Vision:

Mission:

to increase college attendance and completion by Illinois students, particularly those who are low income, underserved and first generation.

Vision:

ICAC seeks to bring college advisers to every high school in Illinois who needs them

The Illinois College Advising Corps wants to decrease the inequality in college access and success.  ICAC is a unique college access program that seeks to increase the number of low income & underrepresented students applying to, & attending a post secondary institution by focusing on 6 pillars of success:

  1. ICAC utilizes a near-peer model.  Our program recruits recent college graduates from the University of Illinois & trains them to work as near peer Advisers. More than 60 percent of our program’s Advisers are first-generation college graduates.
  2. ICAC works in partnership between your communities’ high schools & the University of Illinois.
  3. ICAC provides full-time college access service at no additional cost to the school.  Our Advisers partner with counselors, teachers, & administrators & function as additional staff whose single focus is on improving the school’s college-going culture & ensuring that students apply & enroll in colleges where they will succeed.
  4. ICAC focuses on best fit. ICAC Advisers focus on helping students identify & apply to postsecondary programs that will serve them well academically & socially— increasing the likelihood that these students will earn their degrees.
  5. ICAC Advisers provide a holistic approach.  ICAC Advisers strive to foster a school-wide, college-going culture & to provide targeted assistance to low income, first-generation, & underrepresented students who are capable & qualified but are at the greatest risk of failing to attend college.
  6. ICAC strives to keep the relationship.  We provide a continuum of service to the students by providing a retention program for our students.   Former Advisers are hired at one of the three UI campuses as “Completion Coaches” to support students during the transition to college & to ensure your students continue to have the guidance needed to successfully complete college.