IL HB3577

Establishes a medical assistant grant program for the 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 academic years under the Higher Education Student Assistance Act.

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents and U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens enrolled in a medical assistant certification program at a public community college in Illinois.

Grants are awarded based on financial need, with preference given to previous recipients who maintain eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.

Each grant covers tuition and fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per academic year, and cannot exceed the total cost of attendance when combined with other financial assistance.

Grants are paid directly to institutions on behalf of recipients for up to 2 semesters per academic year, with up to 2% of appropriated funds available for program administration.