News

CHICAGO — To expand the 7th District’s talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Mike Simmons is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. 

“Programs like Illinois Works give people the skills, experience and support they need to take the first step toward a good-paying career,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By investing in organizations that are already doing this work in our communities, we’re creating stronger pathways into the trades and helping more people build a stable future for themselves and their families.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million to community-based organizations serving over 7,000 Illinois residents.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons is proud to announce eight organizations in the 7^th District will be receiving over $800,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“These organizations serve as focal points for folks around the community to find services and opportunities to grow and develop their skills,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This funding will enhance opportunities for folks improving their literacy skills and prepare more people for success in the workforce.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law expands the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“We are expanding protections for students across Illinois,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This expansion ensures that individuals expressing their identity through religious hairstyles can continue in school without the fear of persecution.”

Simmons’ law requires private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons is excited to announce the Illinois Workforce Pell, a new program expanding on federal Pell Grants that will allow eligible students to use grant funding for short-term workforce training programs aligned with in-demand occupations, is now accepting applications.

“Illinois is expanding access to workforce training opportunities that students and residents alike can use to gain valuable skills for high-demand jobs in our state,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Workforce development education is a great way to get into a field you are interested in, and I am proud to support a program that will continue to build talent here in our state.”

By extending Pell eligibility to shorter-term programs, Workforce Pell broadens access to a more affordable path to a recognized credential, tied to employer-validated, high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs across the state. Illinois developed a rigorous approval process to ensure participating programs meet high standards for quality, workforce alignment and student outcomes – protecting students while ensuring public investments support credentials with strong labor market value.