SPRINGFIELD — To help more students access globally focused learning opportunities, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a new law modernizing the Illinois’ Global Scholar Certification program by recognizing new ways students demonstrate learning and competency.
“Students today are learning and demonstrating skills in more ways than ever before,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This law is about expanding access, not lowering standards, ensuring our programs reflect modern learning opportunities while maintaining the rigor and integrity of the Global Scholar Certification.”
The Illinois Global Scholar Certification Program was established to recognize high school graduates who demonstrate global competence through globally focused coursework, service learning, collaboration experiences and a capstone assessment. Participation in the program is voluntary for schools and available to both public and nonpublic students.
House Bill 3250 expands the eligible providers of online coursework that can satisfy requirements for Illinois’ State Global Scholar Certification to include providers offering micro-credentials and digital badges.
Under previous law, students whose schools do not offer the certification in person may earn it remotely through approved online coursework providers beginning in the 2026-27 school year. HB 3250 clarifies that providers offering competency-based micro-credentials and digital badges may also qualify if they can demonstrate students have met all certification requirements.
Micro-credentials certify mastery of specific skills through demonstrated evidence of learning, while digital badges serve as verified, shareable representations of those achievements. Under the proposal, students would still be required to complete the full Illinois Global Scholar capstone project and meet existing standards reviewed by trained evaluators.
“Our students deserve to have access to meaningful educational opportunities and programs, no matter where they live across Illinois,” said Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville). “Opening access to the Illinois Global Scholars program gives even more students the chance to make a positive mark on their communities, empowering them to continue growing and learning.”
House Bill 3250 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect immediately.
