HB5492 Summary

• State Board of Education shall establish a paid internship program for students in educator preparation programs for school social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses, and speech-language pathologists, with pay at minimum wage or higher, subject to appropriation.

• State Board of Education shall establish a mentorship and recruitment program to attract high school, community college, and undergraduate students to school support personnel professions, collaborating with higher education institutions and professional associations.

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall award up to 250 annual scholarships beginning 2024-2025 for students pursuing school psychology, counseling, nursing, and speech-language pathology, covering tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public universities, with priority given to racial minorities.

• Commission shall establish a School Support Personnel Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program offering grants up to $6,500 to current public school employees in these support personnel roles with outstanding higher education loans, prioritizing racial minorities.

• Scholarship recipients must work in Illinois public or nonprofit preschools, elementary, or secondary schools in their endorsement area for at least 2 of 5 years after graduation, or repay the scholarship prorated with 5% interest.