Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship is a state award for students preparing for teacher licensure or further education who have an academic connection to high-need public school districts. It can provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to annual funding. In return, recipients sign a commitment to teach in an Illinois district meeting shortage criteria; failure to fulfill the agreement can convert the awa
About Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
Teachers of Illinois Scholarship is a state award for students preparing for teacher licensure or further education who have an academic connection to high-need public school districts. It can provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to annual funding. In return, recipients sign a commitment to teach in an Illinois district meeting shortage criteria; failure to fulfill the agreement can convert the award to a loan.
Published eligibility centers on having attended a public district during K–12 with designated need and teacher-vacancy indicators, enrolling in an approved preparation program, and maintaining academic progress. Students file the ISAC application and FAFSA each year; the college must certify information before the commission can consider the award. For 2026–27, ISAC set a September 2026 priority date and says late applications may be considered only if funding remains.
This program differs from the former Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship: ISAC says that award is no longer available and was replaced by Teachers of Illinois under different rules. The agency also maintains a court-related notice affecting state assistance for certain undocumented students in 2026–27; confirm the live legal guidance before applying. Read the promissory note, verify the approved school, and ask how the service obligation is calculated if you change programs or cannot secure an eligible teaching job.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Teachers of Illinois Scholarship is a state award for students preparing for teacher licensure or further education who have an academic connection to high-need public school districts. It can provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to annual funding. In return, recipients sign a commitment to teach in an Illinois district meeting shortage criteria; failure to fulfill the agreement can convert the award to a loan. Published eligibility centers on having attended a public district during K–12 with designated need and teacher-vacancy indicators, enrolling in an approved preparation program, and maintaining academic progress. Students file the ISAC application and FAFSA each year; the college must certify information before the commission can consider the award. For 2026–27, ISAC set a September 2026 priority date and says late applications may be considered only if funding remains.
How to apply or get help: This program differs from the former Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship: ISAC says that award is no longer available and was replaced by Teachers of Illinois under different rules. The agency also maintains a court-related notice affecting state assistance for certain undocumented students in 2026–27; confirm the live legal guidance before applying. Read the promissory note, verify the approved school, and ask how the service obligation is calculated if you change programs or cannot secure an eligible teaching job. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College scholarship and financial-aid program