HB3848 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 26732 RJT 53095 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB3848

Introduced 2/17/2023, by Rep. Cyril Nichols

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/10-20.85 new
105 ILCS 5/34-18.82 new

Amends the School Code. Permits a school district to implement a program to allow school personnel, including athletic coaches, school counselors, and administrative staff, who possess comprehensive knowledge about postsecondary academic or vocational options to provide mentoring services or guidance related to postsecondary academic and vocational options to high school students. Sets forth the services and guidance that a postsecondary mentor may provide to a student; allows the State Board of Education to establish guidelines. Provides that the participation of school personnel in the program shall be on a voluntary basis only; allows school personnel to receive compensation for participating in the program. Provides that a school district may issue a certificate to school personnel who participate in the program certifying that the participant possesses sufficient knowledge. Provides that the State Board of Education may provide for the form of the certificate. Provides for rulemaking. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Sections 10-20.85 and 34-18.82 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-20.85 new)

Sec. 10-20.85. Postsecondary mentoring program; certificate.

(a) A school district may implement a program to allow school personnel, including, but not limited to, athletic coaches, school counselors, and administrative staff, who possess comprehensive knowledge about postsecondary academic or vocational options and opportunities to provide mentoring services or guidance related to postsecondary academic and vocational options to high school students.

(b) The services or guidance that postsecondary mentors may provide or offer to students under this Section may include, without limitations, the following services:

(1) connecting students to postsecondary opportunities through college fairs, job fairs, and college visits;

(2) assisting students with the college application and enrollment processes;

(3) informing students about postsecondary career options;

(4) providing assistance to students with financial aid, including grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs; and

(5) assisting students in developing strategies for reaching their postsecondary academic or career goals.

The State Board of Education may establish guidelines for the services and guidance that may be offered to students under the program.

(c) The participation of school personnel in the program shall be on a voluntary basis only. School personnel participating in the program may receive compensation for their participation in the program.

(d) If a school district offers a program under this Section, the school district may issue to school personnel who participate in the program a certificate certifying that the participant possesses sufficient knowledge to provide advice and guidance to students about postsecondary academic or vocational options and opportunities. The State Board of Education may provide for the form of the certificate to be made available for use by school districts.

(e) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules that are necessary to implement this Section.

(105 ILCS 5/34-18.82 new)

Sec. 34-18.82. Postsecondary mentoring program; certificate.

(a) The school district may implement a program to allow school personnel, including, but not limited to, athletic coaches, school counselors, and administrative staff, who possess comprehensive knowledge about postsecondary academic or vocational options and opportunities to provide mentoring services or guidance related to postsecondary academic and vocational options to high school students.

(b) The services or guidance that postsecondary mentors may provide or offer to students under this Section may include, without limitation, the following services:

(1) connecting students to postsecondary opportunities through college fairs, job fairs, and college visits;

(2) assisting students with the college application and enrollment processes;

(3) informing students about postsecondary career options;

(4) providing assistance to students with financial aid, including grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs; and

(5) assisting students in developing strategies for reaching their postsecondary academic or career goals.

The State Board of Education may establish guidelines for the services and guidance that may be offered to students under the program.

(c) The participation of school personnel in the program shall be on a voluntary basis only. School personnel participating in the program may receive compensation for their participation in the program.

(d) If the school district offers a program under this Section, the school district may issue to school personnel who participate in the program a certificate certifying that the participant possesses sufficient knowledge to provide advice and guidance to students about postsecondary academic or vocational options and opportunities. The State Board of Education may provide for the form of the certificate to be made available for use by the school district.

(e) The State Board of Education may adopt any rules that are necessary to implement this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.