summary
Introduced
10/06/2025
10/06/2025
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Graduate Readiness and Development Act. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and guidelines for an exit orientation program for grade 11 and 12 students to prepare the students to enter the workforce, obtain marketable skills, or enroll in higher education or military service. Requires the school board of each school district operating a high school to annually host an exit orientation program that complies with the rules and guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education under the Act. Provides that the school board shall permit representatives of labor organizations, military branches, workforce training providers, vocational training providers, local chambers of commerce, banks, and private businesses to present information on jobs, training, apprenticeships, internships, jobs requiring certification, and related topics to students during a high school's exit orientation program. Requires each Illinois workNet Center to ensure that the exit orientation program of each high school in its local area is aligned with the needs and opportunities of the local labor market and to provide the school board of the school district that operates the high school with information on local labor market needs and assist with coordinating participation in the program by local chambers of commerce, private businesses, and others.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Graduate Readiness and Development Act, which requires the State Board of Education to create comprehensive guidelines for an exit orientation program targeting 11th and 12th-grade students. The program aims to prepare students for post-high school opportunities by providing detailed information on various topics including federal student loans, higher education grants, internships, apprenticeships, vocational training, military enlistment, voter registration, employment opportunities, financial literacy (such as opening bank accounts and retirement accounts), and local health and community resources. School districts must host this orientation program annually in September or October, inviting representatives from labor organizations, military branches, workforce training providers, chambers of commerce, banks, and private businesses to present information about career and educational pathways. Additionally, each Illinois workNet Center (a job resource center) must ensure the program aligns with local labor market needs and help coordinate participation from local businesses and organizations. The bill is designed to comprehensively prepare students for potential paths after high school, whether that involves higher education, workforce entry, military service, or skill development.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Elementary & Secondary Education: Administration, Licensing & Charter Schools Committee Hearing (14:00:00 2/25/2026 115 and Virtual Room 4) (on 02/25/2026)
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