SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers hope to recruit more people to the early childhood education workforce by creating a scholarship program.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission would work with the Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board to design the program and solicit feedback from an advisory committee.
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Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee) said Thursday the commission may give preference to applicants who receive scholarships during the prior academic year or people with significant financial need.
"Information regarding scholarship recipients includes dis-aggregated demographic data, Pell grant eligibility, geography, age, gender, higher education sector, employer type and years worked," said IBHE Senior Associate Director Jaimee Ray.
Advocates noted that the scholarship program would be subject to state appropriations.
House Bill 5024 passed unanimously out of the House Child Care Accessibility and Early Childhood Education Committee Thursday. The proposal now heads to the House floor for further consideration.
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