IL SB1510

Creates the Nurse Educator Scholarship Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, with $1,500,000 transferred annually from the General Revenue Fund beginning July 1, 2025 to provide scholarships to nurse educators through the Department of Public Health

Increases annual nursing scholarship funding from $4,000,000 to $6,000,000 starting in fiscal year 2026, with funds set aside from the Nursing Dedicated and Professional Fund and appropriated to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Scholarship recipients must be Illinois residents for at least one year, enrolled in or accepted to a graduate nursing program, and agree to fulfill a nurse educator employment obligation after graduation

Recipients who fail to meet the nurse educator employment obligation must repay scholarship funds plus 7% annual interest, with repayment completed within 6 years; exceptions exist for death, incompetency, or total disability

Priority for scholarships is given based on financial need, status as a registered nurse pursuing graduate education, and merit factors including GPA, class rank, and nursing experience