SB2329 Summary

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall implement a College Promise grant program beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year to award grants to eligible Illinois residents pursuing associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas.

• Eligible students must be admitted and enrolled full-time as Illinois residents in the fall term following high school graduation or obtaining a high school equivalency certificate (before age 19), with exceptions allowed for extenuating circumstances.

• Each academic year grant amount equals tuition and mandatory fees at the attended institution or school minus all other student aid, subject to appropriation, with a maximum cap at the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at public community colleges.

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

• Students remain eligible for grants until they earn an associate degree, certificate, or diploma, or until 2 years of attendance have been completed (excluding approved medical or personal leaves of absence, which cannot exceed 6 months total).