IL SB1375

Creates the Growing Regional Opportunities for Work (GROW) Illinois Grant Pilot Program beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year to provide financial assistance for students pursuing certificates, licenses, or degrees in high-demand industries at public community colleges

Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents, U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, not incarcerated, not in default on student loans, and enrolled in a program leading to work in a high-demand industry as identified by community colleges in coordination with local employers

Requires participating community colleges to match funds received from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission with their own financial assistance for qualified students, with allocations based proportionally on each college's resident student enrollment

Mandates annual reporting by community colleges on program impact, including data on tuition revenue, enrollment, student demographics, grant amounts, and total funds matched and retained

The pilot program is subject to appropriation and will automatically repeal on October 1, 2031, with the Commission required to submit annual reports to the Governor and legislative leaders beginning October 1, 2027