CHICAGO — Further building upon the commitment to bolstering our workforce, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced $765,000 in funding coming to the 3rd District to help build pathways for jobs in the construction and building trades.
“Our neighbors deserve to have opportunities to expand their abilities and learn new skills in their own backyard,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Continuing to invest into programs that provide organizations in our communities with the ability to bolster our workforce is a great step in the right direction.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce announced more than $19 million in funding to 38 programs across the state to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program first launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs in well-paying fields.
The Center of Innovation is set to receive $325,000 and the Children First Fund is to receive $440,000 to provide community members with the opportunity to partake in construction or building trade apprenticeship programs.
“I am excited to see the positive impacts that these grants will have on our workforce, not just in the 3rd District, but across the state,” said Hunter.
To view a full list of awardees, click here.