IL SB1791

Renames the "Illinois Future Teacher Corps Scholarship Fund" to the "Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Fund" throughout state statutes.

Transfers administration of the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to the Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching, a 501(c)(3 nonprofit organization, pursuant to a grant agreement.

Defines qualified students as Illinois residents pursuing teacher certification (including alternative licensure) at accredited institutions on at least a half-time basis and approved by the Foundation, expanding eligibility beyond previous junior-level enrollment requirement.

Increases maximum scholarship duration from 4 semesters to 8 semesters (or 6 to 12 quarters) with annual caps of $5,000, and extends teaching obligation repayment timeline to 10 years if the recipient fails to fulfill the 5-year teaching commitment.

Requires scholarship recipients to teach at nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial schools or schools qualifying for federal teacher loan cancellation, with a 2-year grace period following program completion to begin the teaching obligation.