HB2806 would create a new STEM Opportunity Scholarship Program administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The program is intended to provide scholarships to young women who are Illinois residents and are enrolled at least part-time in public universities in Illinois while pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The bill also creates a dedicated special fund in the State treasury to support the program and directs that appropriations from that fund be used for scholarship awards.
The bill sets out basic eligibility and award rules. Applicants must be women and Illinois residents, and the Commission would receive and review applications annually. In awarding scholarships, ISAC must give first preference to prior recipients who remain eligible and are making satisfactory academic progress, and then prioritize new applicants with financial need. Total aid under the program, combined with other financial assistance, cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance at the public university.
HB2806 would amend the Higher Education Student Assistance Act and make a conforming change to the State Finance Act by adding the new fund. It would therefore expand state higher-education aid law by creating a targeted scholarship program and a new funding mechanism within state law, while leaving implementation details and administration to ISAC through rulemaking.
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented debate or formal vote history to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a targeted educational opportunity and workforce-development initiative, with an emphasis on increasing participation by women in STEM fields. Potential points of contention, if raised, would likely center on the gender-specific eligibility criteria, the use of state funds for a narrowly defined scholarship program, and how recipients would be prioritized when funding is limited.
Impact
HB2806 would add a new scholarship program to Illinois higher-education law and create a dedicated special fund in the State treasury to finance it. It would give ISAC authority to administer the program, establish eligibility and award criteria, and issue rules. The bill would affect women students at Illinois public universities pursuing STEM degrees, particularly those with financial need, and would cap awards so they do not exceed the student’s cost of attendance when combined with other aid.
Sentiment
No committee discussion or voting record is available in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of legislative sentiment. The bill’s structure suggests a supportive policy goal of expanding access to STEM education for women, but the absence of recorded debate means support or opposition cannot be measured from the available context.
Contention
The main potential areas of contention are the bill’s gender-specific design, which limits eligibility to women, and the creation of a new state-funded scholarship program that would require appropriations. Another possible issue is the prioritization scheme: returning recipients receive first preference, and new applicants are prioritized by financial need, which could raise questions about access, fairness, and how limited funds would be distributed. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided record.