IL HB1143

Establishes the Mental Health Graduate Scholarship Program administered by the Department of Human Services to provide scholarships to graduate students in mental health fields beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year.

Requires scholarship recipients to work in designated shortage areas of Illinois as licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, or marriage and family therapists for at least one year for each year of scholarship assistance received.

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents for at least one year, citizens or lawful permanent residents, and enrolled in or accepted into a mental health graduate program at an approved Illinois institution.

Scholarship awards cover up to 2 years for master's degree programs and up to 4 years for doctoral programs, with amounts based on 75% of weighted public university tuition and fees plus a living allowance.

Recipients who fail to meet employment obligations must repay scholarship funds at 7% annual interest within 6 years; obligations may be deferred for military service, total disability, death, or involuntary job loss in the mental health field.