HIGHER EDUCATION-ITRADE GRANT

Amends the Higher Education Student Assistance Act. Establishes the Illinois Trades Retention and Development Encouragement (ITRADE) Grant Program to be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Provides that the Illinois Student Assistance Commission shall award grants under the program to eligible applicants who (i) have graduated from high school or have received a State of Illinois High School Diploma, (ii) are pursuing or intend to pursue a qualifying degree or certificate at a qualified institution, and (iii) are entitled to apply for assistance. Provides that a qualifying degree or certificate is an associate degree or certificate granted by a qualified institution in a field related to the trades, including, but not limited to, electrical work, plumbing, masonry, steel working, fabrication, or construction. Amends the State Finance Act to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.