IL SB2846

Creates a grant program for youth formerly in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services to help pay tuition and fees at Illinois public universities and community colleges.

Eligible applicants must be youth currently under DCFS care, those who aged out at 18 or older, or those previously adopted or placed in private guardianship with assistance agreements.

Applicants must have earned a high school diploma, GED, or met state high school graduation criteria before the academic year they apply, and be under age 26 if enrolling as a first-time freshman.

Grants cover tuition and fees remaining after applying Monetary Award Program grants and federal Pell Grants, paid directly to the institution.

Grants may be renewed for up to 5 years of full-time enrollment with satisfactory progress, with age and time limits waived for applicants unable to enroll due to military service or other specified circumstances.