The Illinois State Board of Education's mission is to provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders. Our vision is that each and every child is equipped to make meaningful contributions to society and live life to its fullest potential.
Overview
Welcome! The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Student Advisory Council (SAC). The ISBE SAC provides students with an opportunity to build advocacy and leadership skills and lend their voices to policy development and important issues in education. The SAC meets with stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners virtually and in-person each month to examine research, brainstorm new ideas, and develop policy recommendations to present to the Board from a student perspective.
Eligibility
The 2026-2027 is open to students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in a charter or public high school in Illinois during the 2026-27 academic school year and are interested in becoming a member of the ISBE SAC, you must create a Submittable account using a personal or non-school email address to apply. Students who were SAC members during the 2025-26 school year are returning members, and as such they are only required to submit an application to confirm their continued participation in SAC. Returning members do not have to complete the interview process for the 2026-27 school year.
Application
To be considered for a seat on the ISBE SAC, you must submit a complete application by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The Submittable application includes personal and demographic information, essay questions, and written parent/guardian consent if you are under 18.
Video Interview Process
Finalists will be contacted via email at the end of July/beginning of August to complete a video interview submission for the final selection process. Students who are selected to serve on the ISBE SAC will be notified and will be required to confirm their acceptance and participation in the program via email. New and returning members of the ISBE SAC will be announced on the Student Voices webpage.
Student Summit
Members of the 2026-2027 SAC will lead the Student Summit in spring 2027. Students who applied for the 2026-27 SAC but were not selected for it will be invited to attend. The insights gathered during the summit will help inform the Student Advisory Council’s recommendations to the ISBE Board.
Questions and Information
Additional information may be found on the Student Voices webpage. Questions may be emailed to ISBESAC@isbe.net.