OAK PARK – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) today announced funding to help prepare area high school students to become teachers.

The Des Plaines Valley Education for Employment region will receive $250,000 in grants administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. The region serves six high school districts in western Cook County.

“Illinois is facing an ongoing teacher shortage that impacts every area of our state,” said Harmon. “We need to do everything we can at the state level to make a career in education accessible to anyone who has a passion for teaching students.”

The three-year grants were awarded primarily to rural, understaffed and underfunded areas. They aim to train students through hands-on experience and strive to increase diversity within the state’s teacher workforce. 

“Teaching is a career that changes lives,” said State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “A career in education allows teachers to shape the future while finding deep personal fulfillment. These grants are ensuring that our students are not just prepared but inspired to step into the classroom and make a difference for generations to come. We encourage high school students in participating districts to explore this incredible field.” 

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

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