Stuart Makes AIM HIGH Education Grants Permanent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A highly successful state pilot providing higher education grants to Illinois students is now permanent, thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville.

“Making higher education more affordable is arguably the best way there is to increase opportunity and decrease inequality,” Stuart said. “The AIM HIGH program was hugely successful as a pilot, and making it permanent was a no-brainer.”

Stuart led efforts to include permanent funding in the latest Illinois state budget for the Aspirational Institutional Match Helping Illinois Grow Higher Education (AIM HIGH) grant program which had been a pilot program which was about to expire.

The renewable grants are given to students who meet certain eligibility requirements including having attended an Illinois high school, being a current Illinois resident, being enrolled at one of Illinois’ 12 public universities, and not yet having a bachelor’s degree. The grants are meant to assist students with the cost of full-time public university attendance. The universities themselves provide matching funds.

“Cost should not be the reason why a bright, hardworking person is not able to contribute everything they have the potential to do,” Stuart said. “When more of Illinois’ smart, driven young people can get a college education, it is only to the benefit of everyone in our state.”

Stuart’s office is reachable at 618-365-6650 or repkatiestuart@gmail.com.