IL SB0661

Establishes a Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarship program awarding up to 250 scholarships annually beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, subject to appropriation.

Eligible applicants must hold a valid Illinois-licensed clinical social work or social work license, possess a master's degree in social work, be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and agree to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License with a School Social Work endorsement.

Prioritizes scholarship allocation to returning recipients, then to racial minority applicants (Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals), recognizing underrepresentation in the school social work profession.

Scholarships cover tuition and mandatory fees at nine Illinois public universities: University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University.

Recipients must work as school social workers in Illinois public or nonpublic not-for-profit schools for at least 2 of the 5 years following graduation; failure to comply requires repayment of scholarship funds at 5% interest with possible collection fees, with certain exemptions for military service, disability, or graduate study.