IL HR0026

Urges Community Foundations of Illinois to partner with the State of Illinois to administer post-graduation scholarship programs targeting financially distressed areas.

Scholarship programs aim to retain college-educated professionals in Illinois by supporting key state industries including agribusiness, biotechnology, energy, healthcare, information technology, and transportation/logistics.

Goals include improving income levels, reducing unemployment, increasing household incomes, and raising the percentage of college-degree holders in economically struggling communities.

Addresses Illinois' declining population (93 of 102 counties lost population since 2010) and prime working-age population decline of 5% since 2011, compared to 1.4% U.S. growth.

Aligns with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order 2019-03 on workforce development and job creation by promoting talent retention and economic growth in distressed communities.