HB 5561

Abstract

Amends the Public Community College Act. Creates the Accelerate College pilot program. Authorizes a community college district board of trustees to enter into an Accelerate College educational partnership agreement with any school district wholly contained within the community college district's jurisdiction. Provides that an agreement must offer a group of high school students the right to take community college courses without paying tuition for those courses. Provides for the size of the program. Allows community colleges to charge fees limited to the actual operating costs and related student activities. Provides that any coursework completed by high school students in a community college shall be transferrable to all public universities in this State on the same basis as coursework completed by community college students who have previously earned high school diplomas. Requires the Illinois Community College Board to study the effectiveness of the program and to issue an annual report. Repeals the provisions 36 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Amends the School Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.