ESSEX – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging early childhood education workers who want to pursue additional credentials or earn a degree in early childhood education to apply for a scholarship opportunity.

“Illinois is currently experiencing a shortage of early childhood educators in school districts all around the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Being an educator is a very impactful career. I strongly encourage residents to consider applying for this grant program.”

While the initial deadline for the 2022-23 scholarship has passed, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission is encouraging individuals to apply. After other financial aid is received, the ECACE can cover up to the total cost of an awardee’s attendance at select schools – including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies. Recipients of the scholarship are expected to continue or return to teaching early childhood care and education in Illinois after their study is completed.

“This program is beneficial to those who have early childhood care experience who wish to acquire additional skills or want to obtain a college education,” said Joyce. “There is no better time than now to take advantage of this program so the state can see sufficient numbers of early childhood educators.”

For more information about the program, eligibility details and an online application, visit https://www.isac.org/ECACEscholarship.

ESSEX – State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 40th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“These grants are direct investments in improving the lives of local residents,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “These funds could help attract more visitors, and in turn spur economic growth.”

The FY 23 budget allocated $56 million for OSLAD, the largest single investment in the program’s history, allowing the Department of Natural Resources to assist more communities than ever before. OSLAD requires grantees to provide matching funds for development projects, however with this investment the program is offering complete funding for economically disadvantaged communities.

Applications are being accepted through Sept. 30, 2022 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

ESSEX – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced a grant program involving $15 million in Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship funding to expand job training and career opportunities. State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging organizations in the construction industry to apply for this grant opportunity.

“This is a great program that could really benefit small businesses that qualify across our communities,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The funding has the chance to help people within local organizations expand their opportunities while also boosting the economy of the state .”

The Illinois Works Program was created in 2019 and is designed to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects.

This year, the state budget allocated $8 million in funding for new organizations that train, educate and help prospective workers navigate the job search process, and $7 million for programs that currently receive funding but have exceeded performance benchmarks.

“I think it is important for businesses, as well as employees, to feel fulfilled and uplifted in their careers,” said Joyce. “I am inviting organizations in the area to apply for this funding that could really help them in the long run.”

For more information, visit the DCEO website.

ESSEX – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $419.1 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to District 40 over the next six years.

“Direct investments into our community improve residents’ quality of life,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Through improving road conditions, we are creating new jobs and providing a much-needed economic boost.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, 2023 alone will see over $10.5 million in state and local highway improvements. It is projected that $419.1 million will be spent for about 77 infrastructure improvements in Senate District 40 by the end of 2028.

Two of the most vital projects coming to the 40^th District in 2023 include the rehabilitation of pavements, including design overlay and ADA improvements in Kankakee County along route IL 115 North of Gar Creek to South Washington Avenue in Kankakee and preservation of pavements along Route IL 1 on Strieff Lane to 34^th Street in South Chicago Heights.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

For more information about IDOT’s multi-year plan and to see a full list of projects coming to District 40, visit IDOT’s website.