Joyce applauds more than $13,000 in funding for local school libraries in Will County

KANKAKEE – To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs, State Senator Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Will County will receive more than $13,000 in funding.

“Libraries provide students with many tools to be successful, whether it’s books, technology or other media sources,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We need to ensure our school libraries are staying up to date with growing trends and new materials so our students can thrive in school.”

Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Joyce’s district received a total of $13,682:

• Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 - $5,855
• New Lenox School District 122 - $4,174
• Manhattan Elementary School District 114 - $1,530
• Reed-Custer Community School District 255U - $1,107
• Wilmington School District 209U - $1,016

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

“When we are able to have full, updated libraries, we have the ability to provide quality education to students,” said Joyce. “Through funding like the School District Library Grant Program, we are making sure to uphold Illinois’ commitment to bettering education for all stages in the state.”

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

Joyce applauds over $11,000 in library grants for southland school districts

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce announced six school districts in the southland area have received more than $11,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“School libraries provide students with a variety of resources they need to excel academically and explore their interests,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We need to ensure they are funded efficiently to continue benefitting students.”

Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts received a total of $11,341:

• Bloom Township High School District 206 - $2,598
• Chicago Heights School District 170 - $2,213
• Rich Township High School District 227 - $2,108
• Flossmoor Elementary School District 161 - $1,992
• Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 - $1,234
• Steger School District 194 - $1,196

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

“These grants uplift libraries in our schools, ensuring students have the tools they need to be successful,” said Joyce. “The School District Library Grant Program is a great initiative that has a meaningful impact on the educational experience of students in Illinois.”

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

Over $9,000 in library grants coming to Kankakee County school districts thanks to Joyce

KANKAKEE – To provide resources to libraries through books, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs, State Senator Patrick Joyce announced five school districts in Kankakee County will receive more than $9,000 in funding.

“Well-equipped and updated libraries have shown to positively impact students’ performances while in school,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “When we are able to invest in the local libraries our students frequent, we are investing in the future of the students as well.”

Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Joyce’s district received a total of $9,315:

• Kankakee School District 111 - $3,426
• Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 - $1,897
• Herscher Community Unit School District 2 - $1,389
• Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307 - $1,584
• Bradley Elementary School District 61 - $1,019

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

“School and learning can be more exciting when students have access to areas, like libraries, that have resources available to help them succeed,” said Joyce. “With this funding, we are able to help our local school libraries stay stocked with books and provide updated technologies that will greatly benefit students in the long run.”

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

Governors State receives funding to address student homelessness thanks to Joyce support

UNIVERSITY PARK – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, Governors State University will receive $129,169 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“College students should be focused on their school work, not wondering where they will sleep that night,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “I’m hopeful that with this funding, Governors State will be able to look into the concerns that have surfaced around student homelessness and be able to put a plan into effect.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. Governors State University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process, based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The investment to Governors State University is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“When students are lacking essential needs or struggling with housing issues, it creates a major burden on top of their coursework and can result in poor performance,” said Joyce. “These students deserve a secure and supportive environment that allows them to thrive academically, and this funding aims to make that happen.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.