SB2324 Summary

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission must implement a College Promise grant program beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year to award grants to eligible Illinois residents pursuing an associate degree, certificate, or diploma.

• Eligible students must enroll full-time as Illinois residents in the fall term immediately following high school graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency certificate before age 19, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

• Grant amount equals the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the institution attended minus all other student aid, but cannot exceed the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public community colleges.

• Students must maintain Illinois residency, satisfactory academic progress, continuous enrollment in fall and spring semesters, and participate in mentoring and community service programs as determined by Commission rules.

• Eligibility ends upon earning an associate degree, certificate, or diploma, or after 2.5 years of attendance, whichever occurs first; approved medical or personal leave of absence (not to exceed 6 months total) does not interrupt grant eligibility.