HB4859 - Grow Your Own STEM and Vocational Education Teachers Act

• Public universities must waive tuition, fees, and on-campus housing costs for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in STEM or vocational education teaching (mathematics, natural sciences, technology, industrial arts, trades, health care, or information technology).

• Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and agree to teach at least 3 years at an Illinois high school or 5 years at an Illinois public institution of higher education or community college.

• Students who fail to meet the teaching requirement must fully reimburse the university for all waived tuition, fees, and housing costs.

• The Board of Higher Education may establish limitations on tuition waivers and must adopt rules for program administration.

• Funding comes from the General Revenue Fund through ongoing appropriation, with the Act taking effect July 1, 2020.