McLean County Times

Senator Chapin Rose of Illinois expressed his delight on May 25 in a press statement, commending the approval of House Bill 301. This legislation, which ensures the long-term existence of the AIM HIGH program, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of lawmakers from both parties and chambers. Senator Rose, who played an active role in the higher education working group, contributed to this achievement.

House Bill 301, which was passed by both Houses on May 24, 2023, brings about significant changes to the AIM HIGH program. 

"This program and its expansion are results of bipartisan and bicameral cooperation between the members of the higher education working group, of which I am a member. I am honored to have played an important role in not just creating what has become a very popular tool for keeping Illinois’ best and brightest in the state, but now expanding and making it permanent," said Rose. 

It removes references to the program as a pilot and mandates public universities to allow qualified full-time undergraduate students to apply for grants through the program. 

"Before AIM HIGH, our universities had been at an extreme disadvantage in terms of keeping Illinois’ top graduating high school seniors in Illinois. AIM HIGH offers them an important recruiting and retention tool, and it also helps to stem the ongoing brain drain caused by top-tier students leaving the state."

Additionally, the bill stipulates that public universities with a significant number of Pell Grant recipients must match 35% of the funds awarded with non-loan financial aid for eligible students, an increase from the previous 20%. Representative Emanuel "Chris" Welch pre-filed the bill on December 5, 2022.

According to a news release, Governor J.B. Pritzker's office announced that the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget includes an additional $15 million in funding for the AIM HIGH grant program. This funding boost will further support Illinois students in pursuing their higher education goals.

"The legislation I'm about to sign takes an important step forward in solidifying and improving this program," Pritzker said. "It allows our schools to keep any remaining AIM HIGH funds at the end of the fiscal year."

The AIM HIGH grant program has undergone previous enhancements. In an April 4, 2019 press release, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 2505 to strengthen the program, emphasizing the importance of solidifying and improving it.

"This will provide schools with the flexibility they need to use funds as effectively and efficiently as possible," Pritzker said. "Instead of losing out on leftover funds, our universities will be able to put them back into the program in future years or look to make improvements in how they run their program."

Senator Rose revealed in his news release that he had proposed the concept for the AIM HIGH program years ago, and without this legislation, it would have expired in 2024. The name "AIM HIGH" was inspired by one of Rose's teachers, whose license plate carried the same phrase.

"To see my dream not just come to reality, but now be made permanent and be expanded to serve even more Illinois students and families, is a pretty special moment for me," Rose said. "College costs are way too high, and we are losing too many kids out of state. AIM HIGH will, at least, add one more arrow to our public four-year universities’ quivers to attract and retain students here in Illinois."

The permanent establishment of the AIM HIGH program ensures ongoing support and opportunities for aspiring students throughout the state.