HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is seeking to expand university opportunities to historically underrepresented students through a new bridge program that Illinois colleges will be empowered to employ thanks to legislation he is sponsoring.

“For too long, students who traditionally lack equal opportunities to attend our state’s world-class universities miss out on the chance to enroll or attend those institutions,” said Welch. “I want to make sure that those students do not feel left out and that they know their university has resources available to them.”

Welch’s House Bill 5696 gives Illinois universities the ability to create bridge programs that could provide a range of services, including tutoring and counseling services, to underrepresented students. Universities will have discretion on how to organize and execute their own bridge programs to best fit the needs of their students. Welch’s measure passed the Illinois House of Representatives last week with unanimous bipartisan support.

“Everyone deserves a chance at a fair and equal shot to make the best of themselves,” said Welch. “This is a good first step to providing additional tools and resources to students who may need a little extra assistance to reach their full potential.”