Burke Announces Local Colleges and Universities Will Receive $8.3 Million in MAP Grant Funding

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, is announcing the recent release of over $327 million in MAP Grant funding for local colleges and universities.

“As chair of the Appropriations-Higher Education Committee, I have been fighting for the past three years to protect funding for the MAP Grant program, which helps thousands of students across Illinois continue their education,” Burke said. “I am happy these funds are finally being released so that these students can continue their education.”

The bipartisan budget that Burke supported includes $327 million for the MAP Grant program, which helps low-income students continue their education. Gov. Rauner’s budget crisis halted funding for the MAP Grant program, jeopardizing the education of over 100,000 Illinois students. The budget plan passed by Burke includes $6.6 million for Saint Xavier University in Chicago and $1.7 million for Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills to cover MAP grants.

“We at Saint Xavier University appreciate Representative Burke and the other legislators’ dedication to Illinois students and their commitment to ending this budget crisis”, said Laurie Joyner, president of Saint Xavier University. “Because of their leadership, over 1,000 students at SXU and over 100,000 students across Illinois will be able to continue their education and achieve their dreams.”