Johnson applauds YouthBuild Lake County as local grant recipient

WAUKEGAN – To create and support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, YouthBuild Lake County in North Chicago will receive $250,000 in funds from the state, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Tuesday.

“While there are financial benefits and high economic demands to work in construction, women and people of color are often underrepresented in the industry,” Johnson said. “This state funding creates new opportunities for residents in communities of color who want to pursue a job in construction or a career in other trades.”

YouthBuild Lake County was among 23 organizations statewide to receive funding for pre-apprenticeship training programs to increase diversity in the construction industry. A total of $9.6 million was awarded across Illinois.

Read more: Johnson applauds YouthBuild Lake County as local grant recipient

Peters congratulates local recipient of Illinois Works Grant

Chicago — The Tools Up Foundation of Chicago received an Illinois Works Grant to support their pre-apprenticeship program to increase diversity in the construction trades, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) announced Friday.

“For too long, many communities have not been adequately represented in the construction industry,” Peters said. “There is so much talent in our community that has been unable to enter into these fields, and I’m glad to see that there is a program available to help give them the support and the mentorship they need.”

The Tools Up Foundation is a nonprofit pre-apprenticeship program, preparing underrepresented groups to enter the construction trades. The Tools Up Foundation received a grant of $326,597 to support their work in building the next generation of diverse talent in the construction industry.

Read more: Peters congratulates local recipient of Illinois Works Grant

Local college awarded pre-apprenticeship funding to diversify construction industry

EAST ST. LOUIS – To support construction pre-apprenticeship programs, Southwestern Illinois College will receive nearly $250,000, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Friday.

“Women and people of color are often underrepresented in the construction industry,” Belt said. “This funding opens the door for many people in the Metro East who want to pursue a job in construction and creates a new light for these individuals to have a career in other trade jobs.”

Read more: Local college awarded pre-apprenticeship funding to diversify construction industry

Stadelman announces Javon Bea Hospital will receive medical assistance

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced that the state’s request for medical staffing assistance for Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside has finally been granted.

“The omicron variant has caused one of the highest surge in cases since the pandemic started, and it is happening at a time where many hospitals are short-staffed,” Stadelman said. “I am happy the state’s request for medical assistance was granted, as Javon Bea needs more help than ever before.”

Read more: Stadelman announces Javon Bea Hospital will receive medical assistance