SB3058 - Bridge Program for Underrepresented Students Act

• Creates optional Bridge Programs at Illinois public universities to support underrepresented students, including those who are racial/ethnic minorities, from underserved counties, or from low-income families.

• Limits program eligibility to Illinois residents who graduated from high school no earlier than fall 2018 and attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years; priority given to students with histories of economic or cultural deprivation.

• Requires Bridge Programs to include counseling, tutoring, skill development, student selection procedures, progress evaluation, and reporting to university boards of trustees.

• Allows appropriated funds to be used only for testing, remedial/developmental courses, tutoring, counseling, supplemental financial assistance (books and maintenance), and program staff costs.

• Mandates annual public reports by September 1 each year beginning 2019, detailing program objectives, budgetary expenditures, applicant numbers, enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, and faculty dedicated to the program.