CHICAGO – In an effort to address the ongoing teacher shortage, State Senator Willie Preston joined the Illinois State Board of Education in announcing $7.4 million in funding for grants to help prepare high school students for careers in education.

“Career and technical education programs are vital because they unlock pathways to opportunity and empower our Black communities in underserved neighborhoods, bridging the gap between potential and success,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With the help of these grants, we can provide practical skills and hands-on experience through these programs.”

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Education Career Pathway Grants aim to address the teacher shortage by preparing high school students for careers in education through hands-on experiences. The three-year grants — which were awarded primarily to rural, understaffed and underfunded areas — also strive to increase diversity within the state’s teacher workforce.

ISBE provided $24.8 million through previous rounds, serving nearly 12,000 Illinois high school students across 212 school districts and three community colleges. This round of grants was awarded to 18 entities, serving 39 school districts. The City Colleges of Chicago, serving parts of Preston’s district, is set to receive $450,000 in funding from the grant program over the next three years.

“These programs are not just training a workforce — they're shaping futures and fostering economic resilience,” said Preston. “I will continue to fight for funding that invests in the long-term interests of those in the Sweet 16th District.”

To learn more about the grant, visit ISBE’s College and Career Grants webpage.