Illinois Graduate and Retain our Workforce (iGROW) Tech Scholarship Program

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Program Description
Program Status

The Illinois Graduate and Retain our Workforce (iGROW) Scholarship Program was not funded for the 2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) in the State of Illinois budget. Therefore, no applications will be accepted, and no awards will be made during the 2025-26 academic year. This page will be updated if funds for the program are appropriated in a future fiscal year.

When funded, the iGROW Tech Scholarship Program provides scholarship assistance to Illinois students pursuing IT and related careers. The program was designed to recruit and retain individuals to work in technology jobs that have a high demand for new employees. The program gives priority to students who demonstrate academic excellence and students who demonstrate financial need. Scholarships pay up to $7,500 in tuition & fees and room & board costs for each year recipients meet eligibility requirements at an ISAC-approved institution of higher learning.

iGROW Tech Scholarships were funded and awarded for the 2024-25 academic year. Individuals who applied for this program during the 2024-25 academic year were required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note (available via the Program Service Requirements page), and to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application). Scholarship recipients agree to work in Illinois in a qualifying job for a period of no less than two years. Employment must begin with an employer in Illinois that is directly related to the field of study that qualified the recipient for assistance under this program within one year following completion of the program. If this commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan the entire amount, plus interest, must be repaid.

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Program Status

Note that ISAC routinely updates this section as new information becomes available. Be sure to check back periodically for the current processing status.

Program Status

(last updated June 30, 2025)

The Illinois Graduate and Retain our Workforce (iGROW) Scholarship Program was not funded for the 2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) in the State of Illinois budget. Therefore, no applications will be accepted, and no awards will be made during the 2025-26 academic year. This page will be updated if funds for the program are appropriated in a future fiscal year.

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