Social Work Advocacy Day Welcome to the STUDENT FOCUS brought to you by the NASW IL Chapter. By entering this page, you have just moved one step closer in advancing your profession.  You will find tools and resources here to aid you outside of the classroom. There are over 8,000 members of NASW in Illinois. We are an influential group in policy making and electing officials.  Explore this site and use the resources available and become familiar with your profession.  If there is something that you would like to see or add, please feel free to contact us. We are always open to members' suggestions.

Remember you are the power of social work,  NASW is the power behind the social worker.

 School Social Workers 
       Read  article on student strip searches!
        Click here

  Check out what happened at last year's Lobby Day!
        Click here to learn more

   Join the New National Social Worker Finder!
        Click here to be part of this national database

New Call Center for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007

The U.S. Department of Education has created a new call center for borrowers to obtain
information about the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (H.R. 2669). The number for the
Federal Student Aid Information Center is (800) 433-3243. The law forgives outstanding
education debt for those persons that meet the eligibility requirements.  Those that would
benefit are employees that have made 120 monthly payments on their loans while serving
full-time in social work in public child or family service agencies, government, nonprofit,
military, education, and others areas. The loan forgiveness provisions became effective on
October 1, 2007. It is important to note that payments made after October 1, 2007 on an
existing loan can count towards the 120 payments if the loan meets certain criteria. 

For more information on the new law click here