CHICAGO – Simeon Career Academy will receive a state grant to develop teacher training programs that cater to educators of color, State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) announced.

“Preparing our students for a future as educators is a direct investment back into our community,” Collins said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Simeon to lay the groundwork for classroom leaders who reflect their neighborhoods.”

The Illinois State Board of Education awarded the City of Chicago Public Schools Education for Employment system a $237,000 grant, of which Simeon will receive a portion, to develop Career and Technical Education programs focused on careers in education. The programs are intended to emphasize recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois.