HB 5500

Abstract

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall, each year, consider applications for scholarship assistance under the Challenge Scholarship program. Provides that an applicant is eligible for a Challenge Scholarship if the parent or guardian of the applicant signs a pledge while the student is in grade 8 that the student will maintain at least a "C" grade average during high school, and the applicant maintains that grade average; and the applicant has not been suspended or expelled or acquired a police record during high school for certain offenses. Provides that an applicant who complies with these requirements shall receive a scholarship to cover tuition for 30 semester hours at a public community college. Effective immediately.