Walker Advances Pro-Student Measure Focused on Maximizing Employment Opportunities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is advancing legislation which calls upon the Illinois Community College Board to administer a new grant program to assist students with jobs training.

“Senator Gillespie and I have worked to craft a bill that will strengthen our economy by maximizing access to employment opportunities for college students,” Walker said. “Our goal is to introduce a grant program designed to offer enhanced job training. This would be available to high schools and community colleges under the direction of the Illinois Community College Board.”

Walker’s Senate Bill 1919 would create the 21st Century Employment grant program to be administered by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). ICCB would then be tasked with facilitating public high school and community college partnerships to offer students extensive curriculum-based jobs training.

“What we have found is that providing students with the tools and resources they need to become young and talented professionals translates into increased success,” Walker said. “When we enhance access to employment opportunities by investing in students, we are also taking steps to leverage our economy.”