IL SB1525

Department shall select a minimum of 53 students annually (including at least 4 children of veterans) to receive scholarships and fee waivers for post-secondary education at community colleges, universities, or colleges, with eligibility extending at least 5 years if students maintain satisfactory progress.

Youth not selected for scholarships receive an automatic tuition and fee waiver at Illinois public community colleges and universities if they meet high school graduation requirements, enroll before age 26, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Department may provide stipends for maintenance and school expenses to supplement students' earnings, with eligibility extended for those who served in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

New apprenticeship stipend program provides eligible youth (subject to appropriation) with funding for fees, tuition, work clothes, boots, tools, and other costs associated with apprenticeships approved by the Illinois Department of Employment Security or U.S. Department of Labor, available for up to 5 years.

Department shall collect and report annually to the General Assembly on metrics including application and recipient numbers, college completion rates, reasons for non-completion, and long-term outcomes at 5 and 10 years post-award.