SB0102 Summary

• Establishes a workforce industry needs scholarship program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide scholarships to qualified students pursuing professional certificates, credentials, diplomas, or degrees at public Illinois institutions addressing regional or statewide workforce needs.

• Scholarship awards up to $5,000 annually for tuition, fees, and room and board (or commuter allowance for non-residential students), with combined financial aid not exceeding cost of attendance.

• Requires students to be Illinois residents, enrolled at least half-time, pursuing workforce-needs courses, and either employed, completed a financial literacy course, or completed 100 hours of volunteer service with approved organizations.

• Recipients eligible for up to 6 semesters or 9 quarters of funding, with priority given to students in industry sectors identified annually by the Commission as having significant workforce needs.

• Commission must publish approved programs by March 31 annually, conduct annual program evaluations to suspend underperforming programs, and report to General Assembly by April 15 on fund usage, student outcomes, and job placement rates.