IL SB0637

Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to implement a College Promise grant program beginning with the 2022-2023 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.

Grant amount equals 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 as determined by the Illinois Community College Board.

Students must maintain Illinois residency, satisfactory academic progress, and continuous fall and spring semester enrollment; grants are available for up to 2 years or until the student earns their degree, whichever comes first.

Grant recipients must participate in mentoring and community service programs as determined by the Commission, and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year they seek to receive a grant.