SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to simplify the process for students seeking higher education scholarships.

“After conversations with my summer interns who were applying to college, they stressed the need for a one-stop shop for information on scholarships,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We want to encourage students to continue their education, and this would make it easier for students to see what financial aid is available.”

Senate Bill 1331 would create the Illinois Scholarship Database, developed and administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, to be used as a tool for improving Illinois students' knowledge of and access to higher education scholarships.

“Financial assistance can be hard to navigate, and there are a number of scams out there,” said Turner. “Illinois has worked to make higher education more accessible so we need to provide the resources that can streamline the process.”

Senate Bill 1331 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday.