The Illinois Steps for Attaining Higher Education through Academic Development ("Illinois Steps AHEAD") program is established in the Illinois Department of Human Services. Illinois Steps AHEAD shall provide educational services and post-secondary educational scholarships for low-income middle and high school students. Program components shall include increased parent involvement, creative and engaging academic support for students, career exploration programs, college preparation, and increased collaboration with local schools. The Illinois Department of Human Services shall administer the program. The Department shall implement the program only if federal funding is made available for that purpose. All moneys received pursuant to the federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs shall be deposited into the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Fund, a special fund hereby created in the State treasury. Moneys in this fund shall be appropriated to the Department of Human Services and expended for the purposes and activities specified by the federal agency making the grant. All interest earnings on amounts in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Fund shall accrue to the Gaining Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Fund and be used in accordance with 34 C.F.R. 75.703.
20 ILCS 1305/10-50