Forty-nine youth workers were honored for completing Chicago Area Project’s  Advancing Youth Development and Supervising Youth Development Practice  programs during a graduation ceremony on April 13, 2012 at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave. The graduates from several community, governmental, and educational agencies throughout the City of Chicago joined more than 4900 youth workers in Chicago and the suburbs who have enhanced their skills through CAPs professional development programs.

Keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony was State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3). Sen. Hunter saluted the graduates for their dedication to youth work. “I’m looking forward to witnessing the impact that you all will have today and tomorrow,” she said. “The partnership between my office and the Chicago Area Project shows how the community and legislators can work hand in hand in order to continue making effective, long-standing change in our communities and in our most vulnerable people—our children and our youth.”

Last week, William “Bill” H. Luking, an influential Chicago lobbyist passed at the age of 66. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who worked alongside the iconic Luking, released the following statement:

“The people of Chicago have lost a great person. It was my honor to work alongside Mr. Bill Luking as he worked tirelessly to improve the City of Chicago. From his days lobbying under Mayor Harold’s administration to fighting for Chicago Public Schools, he dedicated his life to seeing a better Chicago.

State Senator Mattie Hunter’s (D-Chicago) plan to help support the Special Olympics with a new lottery ticket will be signed into law today. The measure secures money for Olympians and children with Olympic aspirations.

“The ‘Go for the Gold’ lottery ticket will raise much-needed dollars to fund statewide training programs and competitions for Special Olympic Athletes,” Hunter said. “Some of the money will also help our next generation of Olympians by supporting the Special Children’s Charities Fund.”

Plan to expand DCFS’ Department Scholarship Program sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) gained senate approval today. The measure requires DCFS to provide scholarships for a minimum of 53 students every year.

“Teens under DCFS’ care will have a greater opportunity to attend college without worrying about the financial strain,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “We’ve seen the costs of college skyrocket, incomes slash and a gap widen between high school graduates and students with higher degrees. This program would help close that gap.”