IL SB1604

Creates a competitive grant program through the State Board of Education beginning in the 2025-2026 school year to fund stipends for school social work interns, with stipends of at least $15,000 per year ($25 per hour minimum)

Requires the State Board of Education to annually solicit grant applications from school districts and educational units with school social work interns, and to publish reports listing grant recipients and amounts awarded

Prioritizes grant funding for school districts designated as Tier 1 or Tier 2 (lower-wealth districts) if appropriations are insufficient to fund all applications

Establishes a separate grant program through the Board of Higher Education to provide funds to public and private colleges and universities for expanding social work field placements, internships, and work opportunities for students pursuing social work careers

Prohibits grants under the higher education program from being used for sectarian instruction or sectarian purposes, and authorizes the Board of Higher Education to require evaluations, audits, and reports from grant recipients