ROCK ISLAND – In an effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage, State Senator Mike Halpin joined the Illinois State Board of Education in announcing $7.4 million in grants to help prepare high school students for careers in education.

“Children deserve to learn in schools that have adequate resources to bolster their education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this funding, we are not only enriching the lives of current students, but expanding opportunities for all youth.”

The Career and Technical Education – Education Career Pathway Grants aim to address the teacher shortage by preparing high school students for careers in education through hands-on experiences. The three-year grants — which were awarded primarily to rural, understaffed and underfunded areas — also strive to increase diversity within the state’s teacher workforce. 

ISBE provided $24.8 million through previous rounds, serving nearly 12,000 Illinois high school students across 212 school districts and three community colleges. This round of grants was awarded to 18 entities, serving 39 school districts. Western Area Career System 265, in Halpin’s district, is set to receive $250,000.

“I am grateful that current high school students will be able to explore a future in education,” Halpin said. “These programs are invaluable to expanding our educational workforce.”

To learn more about the grant, visit ISBE’s College and Career Grants webpage.