(a) Subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall establish a pilot program to provide recipients of assistance under Article IV with additional assistance in obtaining a post-secondary education degree to the extent permitted by the federal law governing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. This assistance may include, but is not limited to, moneys for the payment of tuition, but the Department may not use any moneys appropriated for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) under Article IV to pay for tuition under the pilot program. In addition to criteria, standards, and procedures related to post-secondary education required by rules applicable to the TANF program, the Department shall provide that the time that a pilot program participant spends in post-secondary classes shall apply toward the time that the recipient is required to spend in education, placement, and training activities under this Article.
     The Department shall define the pilot program by rule, including a determination of its duration and scope, the nature of the assistance to be provided, and the criteria, standards, and procedures for participation.
     (b) The Department shall enter into an interagency agreement with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for the administration of the pilot program.
     (c) The Department shall evaluate the pilot program and report its findings and recommendations after 2 years of its operation to the Governor and the General Assembly, including proposed rules to modify or extend the pilot program beyond the scope and schedule upon which it was originally established.