JOLIET, Ill. — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed a $100 million investment in community colleges, which is being called the largest in higher education in more than 20 years and “historic” investments in financial aid.
The proposed investments include $100 million in Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, according to a press release. The official announcement was made Thursday where Pritzker was with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, state officials, and Joliet Community College (JCC) officials.
“Over the last four years, my administration has been laser focused on righting Illinois’ fiscal ship. Because of that work, our state can re-direct funding back into opportunity for Illinoisans, all while maintaining a balanced budget,” Pritzker said in the press release.
“We’ve also increased funding for day-to-day operations at community colleges by over $25 million since I came into office. And my FY24 budget proposal would add another $19 million annually – the largest increase for community colleges in over two decades.”
JCC serves about 27,000 students each year across six campuses and one out of every five students receive financial aid through MAP grants. The new investments will help put “Illinois on track to guarantee every student has access to the education and training they need to thrive,” the press release states.
“The rigorous pace of college and studying for exams is hard enough without worrying about how school bills will be paid. In Illinois, we see you and we care,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said.
“That’s why we are investing an additional $100 million in our community colleges and state universities. These institutions are where our state’s brightest go to thrive, and now they are more affordable and accessible for working families. Illinois continues to be the best place in the country to live and go to school.”
To address a nationwide shortage of skilled workers caused by COVID-19 pandemic, there also is a proposal to continue funding the Pipeline for the Advancement of Healthcare (PATH) Workforce program, according to the press release. The program trains new nurses, medical assistants, medical laboratory technicians, emergency medical technicians and other high-demand positions.
“The state's community colleges are an essential piece to building a capable 21st-Century workforce,” said Larry Walsh Jr., state representative (D-Joliet).
“Gov. Pritzker once again has demonstrated a serious commitment to ensuring that they are well-funded and well-equipped to meet all challenges. Countless professionals have started their journeys at Joliet Junior College, and I know that, with the state's historic investment in higher education, many more will continue to do so for years to come.”
JCC has a partnership with Lion Electric, the biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles in its segment, and through its automotive technology program, students and professional technicians can learn about automotive service and repair, according to the press release.
Additionally, JCC offers practical and registered nursing programs where students have the benefit of a state-of-the-art simulation center in the Health Profession Center.
“With investments such as PATH, more students will be able to attend community college for a career in the healthcare industry for free,” the press release states.
"An increasingly competitive jobs market often requires advanced education, and it's vital that Illinois invest so that all our children have an opportunity to take advantage of that," said State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora.
"Whether it's from a technical school, vocational school, community college or a four-year university, instruction after high school can create a path to good-paying, sustainable jobs. No kids should be deprived of that."