SCHOLARSHIP ACCESSIBILITY ACT

Amends the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Act. Requires the Board of Higher Education to name the chairperson of the Program Board. Requires the Program Board to name the vice chairperson of the Program Board and make any necessary subcommittee appointments. Provides that the members of the Program Board shall serve 2-year terms and shall continue to serve until a replacement or reappointment is determined. Adds additional responsibilities of the Program Board. Requires institutions of higher education to verify that student applicants meet the eligibility requirements for DFI grants. Adds eligibility requirements for an award under the Act. Sets forth responsibilities for DFI institutions and DFI representatives. Requires a student to apply directly to the qualified institution of higher education that he or she plans to attend. Provides that in determining the recipients of awards, the Program Board shall favor recipients who received awards in previous years and who maintain conditions of eligibility and have made satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, as long as no student receives assistance for more than 4 years. Adds an additional condition for acceptance of a DFI award. Provides that if the obligation of the award is not met, repayment of the funds awarded shall (rather than may) be required according to procedures developed by the Board of Higher Education (rather than the Program Board). Provides that all grants are subject to the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act. Provides that the changes made by the amendatory Act shall first apply beginning with awards made for the 2025-2026 academic year. Repeals a provision concerning continuing participants. Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act regarding the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program. Changes the name of the scholarship program to the Teachers of Illinois scholarship program. Requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to determine how to veri