BURBANK – A measure to make significant strides to expand the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program –which received support from State Senator Mike Porfirio – was signed into law Friday.

“By making the AIM HIGH program permanent, students will be given more access to in-state, higher education opportunities,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This program is necessary for ensuring our universities and residents have the appropriate resources to excel and grow.”

The AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program provides merit-based, means-tested student financial aid to first-time, full-time undergraduate students and transfer students who are Illinois residents attending any of the 12 Illinois public four-year universities since 2019.

House Bill 301 makes the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increases transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage of it, increases access for part-time students and makes changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

The changes to the matching requirement for institutions is based on the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants. Institutions with at least 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 35% of the grant amount, up from the previous 20%. Similarly, institutions with less than 49% of students receiving Pell Grants will now be required to contribute 70% of the grant amount, compared to the previous 60%. These changes will ensure that the AIM HIGH Grant Program targets those most in need, further amplifying its impact.

“Providing students with appropriate financial aid options is imperative to keeping residents in Illinois,” said Porfirio. “This program will make attending college more feasible and affordable, which is pertinent for the success of our students.”

House Bill 301 was signed on Friday and goes into effect immediately.