IL HB4983

Establishes the State Global Scholar Certification Program to recognize public high school graduates who have attained global competence, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, with voluntary participation by school districts.

Certification purposes include recognizing global education value, identifying globally competent employees for employers, providing colleges with admission recognition criteria, and preparing students with 21st century skills in STEM, manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors.

State Board of Education must adopt rules establishing certification criteria including credit units in globally focused courses, service learning experiences, global collaboration and dialogue, and completion of a capstone project demonstrating global competency.

Participating school districts must maintain records of certified students and designate State Global Scholar Certification on student diplomas and transcripts.

No fee may be charged to students for the designation, though students may incur costs in demonstrating proficiency.