TAXPAYER-FUNDED TEST PREP

Illinois students will continue to receive free test preparation courses, thanks to a partnership between the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Kaplan. The program, funded with $9.9 million in taxpayer money, has served over 12,000 students at public universities across the state so far. Officials confirmed that the initiative will operate through the end of this school year. Looking ahead, Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a $7 million budget allocation to keep the program running into fiscal year 2027. Supporters say the effort gives students from all backgrounds better access to crucial academic resources.