Ford Pushes for State Funding to Renovate and Further Develop Malcolm X College’s West Side Learning Center

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of ongoing efforts to expand educational and economic opportunities for West Side residents, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is working to pass a $5 million appropriation to support construction and renovation costs at Malcolm X College’s West Side Learning Center.

“If we want to provide residents the educational opportunities they deserve, we have to invest in a 21st century learning infrastructure,” Ford said. “This is needed funding that will help provide better training for students for in-demand careers – including nursing and health care.”

Malcolm X College’s ongoing West Side Learning Center renovation project aims to develop a 5,000 square foot community center for teaching and learning. Their plan also calls for a 15,000 square foot nursing and health care program lab, as well as additional work on classroom, office and lobby space. Malcolm X College notes that these developments would likely increase enrollment and help more people access good paying jobs to fill workforce shortages in the under-resourced West Side.

Ford’s appropriation is contained in his House Bill 1494, which is currently being reviewed by the House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee.

“This would be one component of funding for the redevelopment plan, but a significant one,” Ford said. “When we choose to invest in higher education efforts such as this, we’re choosing to invest in the pillars of communities. Let’s make sure that our colleges, such as Malcolm X College, receive the funding they need to serve as a valuable entry point for residents looking to expand their opportunities.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com