Gillespie announces local CTE grant recipients to some District 211, 214 schools
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To provide alternative and affordable education options to students, the Illinois State Board of Education has awarded career and technical education (CTE) grants to three schools in the 27th Illinois Senate District, represented by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).
“As our economy adapts to the pandemic, CTE is becoming increasingly important,” Gillespie said. “These grants will help train future CTE teachers so that young learners in our community have access to affordable educational opportunities for a career in growing industries.”
Gillespie moves to repay up to $6,500 in student debt for school social workers
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address the growing student debt crisis, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced legislation that would provide a loan repayment option for public school social workers that could cover up to $6,500 of a student’s debt.
“The student debt crisis is crushing our school social workers,” Gillespie said. “These careers typically require high educational requirements, with compensation that is less than adequate."
The legislation would require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to consider up to $6,500 in loan repayment assistance to borrowers with loans related to a degree in social work. Recipients must be employed at a public elementary or secondary school in Illinois for at least one year. Gillespie’s proposal also grants priority to applicants who are members of underrepresented communities in the social work field.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are over 1.6 million student borrowers in Illinois with a collective $60 billion in student debt.
The legislation, Senate Bill 662, awaits consideration in the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Gillespie: Local communities to receive over $3.3 million infrastructure investment
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today that local governments will receive over $3.3 million in Rebuild Illinois grants for infrastructure projects.
“This investment will give our local governments much-needed help, as we work to fix our crumbling roads,” Gillespie said. “Our municipalities need all the assistance the state can provide as we continue to recover from the pandemic, and I am eager to learn which projects they choose.”
Gillespie moves to create social work scholarships
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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To help end the school social worker shortage, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced legislation that would create scholarships for students working toward an Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Social Work.
“Students are facing unprecedented social and emotional challenges, and schools across the state are in the midst of a shortage of social workers,” Gillespie said. “We must address the growing need for professional, culturally competent social workers in our schools.”
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