IL SB3912

Establishes up to 250 annual Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License scholarships beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, subject to appropriation.

Recipients must hold a valid Illinois social work or clinical social work license, have a master's degree in social work, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and agree to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License with a School Social Work endorsement.

Scholarships prioritize students who are members of racial minorities (Black, Hispanic, Asian American, or American Indian/Alaskan Native), with continued priority given to returning scholarship recipients.

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 a school social worker in Illinois public or nonpublic schools or as a social worker for an Illinois municipality (not reporting to police) for at least 2 of 5 years after graduation; failure to meet this obligation requires repayment with 5% interest, with certain military service and disability periods excluded from the requirement.