HB0150 - 21st Century Scholars Act

• Establishes a voluntary, school district-based scholarship program for low-income Illinois students enrolled in grade 8 who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

• Requires eligible students to complete a 21st Century Scholars Curriculum of at least 15 units including 4 years English, 3 years social studies, 3 years mathematics, 3 years science, and 2 years of electives in foreign language, music, vocational education, or art.

• Awards tuition scholarships covering the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public institutions or the average of public university costs at private institutions, renewable for up to 135 credit hours.

• Requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA, have no felony convictions, graduate from an approved high school, apply to colleges, and participate in academic support services and college preparation activities.

• Obligates participating school districts to provide academic support, college guidance, financial aid assistance, and parent engagement opportunities; the Commission certifies participating districts and administers scholarships subject to state appropriations.