ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To assist students wanting to become future educators, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced Northwest Suburban schools will receive a grant to develop Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focusing on teaching.

“CTE programs aren’t just for those entering the trades but can prepare students for careers in a variety of fields,” Gillespie said. “There is no better investment than developing the professional    skills of our future generation of educators.”

The Illinois State Board of Education awarded the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success a grant of $249,000, which will be distributed to nine high schools in the Northwest Suburbs to develop CTE programs focused on careers in education. Two of the nine schools are in the 27th District — Palatine High School and Rolling Meadows High School. 

“The CTE programs at High School Districts 211 and 214 represent the best our state has to offer in preparing young adults for long-term career paths,” Gillespie said. “Congratulations to Palatine and Rolling Meadows High Schools and the other recipients. I am eager to see the progress students make in these role model programs.” 

CTE programs help students develop technical and employability skills to enable them to pursue higher education opportunities and enter the workforce. Students in CTE programs may also earn dual credit or credentials and certifications from partner institutions prior to high school graduation. The programs will emphasize recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois.

Nearly $2 million in total funding has been awarded to 11 Education for Employment Systems statewide to recruit and support future educators at 62 high schools and vocational centers across the state. For a full list of grant recipients or to learn more about career and college readiness programs in Illinois, visit www.ISBE.net/CTE.