IL SB2302

Creates the Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarship program through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, with up to 250 scholarships awarded annually subject to appropriation

Eligible recipients must hold a valid Illinois clinical social work or social work license, have a Master of Social Work degree, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and agree to pursue coursework for a Professional Educator License with School Social Work endorsement

Scholarships cover tuition at Illinois public universities (University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, Governors State, Illinois State, Northeastern Illinois, Northern Illinois, and Western Illinois) for required licensure courses

Priority in awarding scholarships goes to applicants who are members of underrepresented communities in the school social work field in Illinois

Recipients must work at a public or nonpublic not-for-profit preschool, elementary, or secondary school in Illinois for at least 2 of the 5 years following graduation, with exclusions for military service, temporary disability, or inability to find employment