CHICAGO, IL – State Senator Willie Preston of the 16th District has successfully secured $4.125 million for the construction of a building extension at LEARN Charter Schools’ Hunter Perkins Campus, located at 1700 W. 83rd, Chicago, IL 60620. This investment represents a significant win for the community, enhancing the quality of education and providing state-of-the-art facilities for local students. This building will be an addition to the existing campus and provide even more space for learning for the community.

The announcement will be made during a press event scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the LEARN Hunter Perkins Campus. Senator Preston, alongside esteemed guests Greg White, president and CEO of LEARN Charter Schools, and Cynthia Johnson, principal of the LEARN Hunter Perkins Campus, will highlight the impact this new building will have on students and the broader community.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce barriers for Illinoisans trying to access a colonoscopy, State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law requiring all health insurance plans to cover the cost of the procedure when deemed medically necessary.

“Talking openly about colonoscopies can raise awareness and motivate more individuals to get screened,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “With this law, we can further promote early detection and prevention efforts by broadening coverage for the procedure.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

CHICAGO — Summer might be winding down, but the fun is just heating up as State Senator Willie Preston gears up to host his third annual End of Summer Bash to prepare constituents for the back-to-school season.

“As a father of six, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have everything in place before the school year starts,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “From school supplies and physicals to housing support, having these resources easily accessible can make all the difference. That’s why our annual back-to-school fair is such a big deal for me and our families here in the Sweet 16th District.”

The event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dan Ryan Woods Grove 4, located at 83^rd Street and Western Avenue in Chicago. Food and refreshments will be available at no cost to attendees.