IL SB1322

Creates the Mental Health Professional Career Scholarship Program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year

Provides scholarships to Illinois residents pursuing degrees in professional counseling, therapy, social work, psychology, psychiatry, mental health nurse practitioner, or psychiatric pharmacist programs

Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and may receive up to 8 semesters of scholarship assistance

Selection preference given to applicants demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, minority student status, and previous scholarship recipients maintaining eligibility

Eligible noncitizens who attended Illinois high school for at least 3 years and graduated in-state qualify, provided they commit to applying for permanent residency when eligible