HB5109 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 17133 NHT 43188 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB5109

Introduced , by Rep. David E. Miller

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

110 ILCS 947/39.5 new

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Establishes the MAP Challenge Program to (i) reduce the number of students who withdraw from high school before graduation, (ii) increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation, (iii) increase the number of students entering institutions of higher learning, and (iv) encourage eligible students to attend institutions of higher learning by reducing the financial burden on these students and their families. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board, and the State Board of Education shall work cooperatively to develop the MAP Challenge Program as a pilot program that accomplishes these purposes by leveraging student financial aid to college readiness. Provides that the program shall include cooperation between school districts and State agencies in outreach and student services and minimum course requirements based on a college preparatory core curriculum to ensure students are ready for college. Provides that students who successfully complete this program must be provided with an incentive in the form of State financial aid. Effective July 1, 2008.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

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 Higher Education Student Assistance Act is amended by adding Section 39.5 as follows:

(110 ILCS 947/39.5 new)

Sec. 39.5. MAP Challenge Program.

(a) The MAP Challenge Program is established to do all of the following:

(1) Reduce the number of students who withdraw from high school before graduation.

(2) Increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

(3) Increase the number of students entering institutions of higher learning.

(4) Encourage eligible students to attend institutions of higher learning by reducing the financial burden on these students and their families.

(b) The Commission, the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community College Board, and the State Board of Education shall work cooperatively to develop the MAP Challenge Program as a pilot program that accomplishes the purposes set forth in subsection (a) of this Section by leveraging student financial aid to college readiness.

(c) The MAP Challenge Program shall include cooperation between school districts and State agencies in outreach and student services. The program shall include minimum course requirements based on a college preparatory core curriculum to ensure students are ready for college. Students who successfully complete this program must be provided with an incentive in the form of State financial aid. The Commission may adopt any rules necessary to implement and administer the program.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2008.