CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins wants to encourage residents to apply for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offering training opportunities while expanding the talent pipeline that boosts diversity in the construction and trade industries.

“Our tradesfolk are vital parts of our community and we have to make sure people have access to educational opportunities that allow them to participate in trades,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works to get residents foot in the door and to give them educational opportunities to grow within a trades industry.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans and women in the construction trades. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

CHICAGO – Deep Tech Innovation Lab at mHUB is set to receive nearly $600,000 to support entrepreneurship and innovation, thanks to strong support from State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“When we invest in tech hubs, we are investing in the key industries of the future for our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago).  “The 5^th District has a strong presence in innovation and entrepreneurship, and this funding will make critical advancements in the tech industry while growing our economy.”

Through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program, a total of $7 million in grant funding was awarded to four grantees in an effort to grow industries around the state. The TIEG Program was designed to modernize and revitalize tech incubators across Illinois to meet the evolving needs of startups. The initiative aims to support the transformation of tech spaces fostering an ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and resilience.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins announced $160,000 in state grant funding has been awarded to support an affordable housing development in the 5^th Senate District.

“This funding focuses on efficiency-centered building upgrades and development projects that support our communities, including upgrades that expand access to local affordable housing,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are putting our fair share toward supporting sustainable developments and ensuring equitable opportunities are available to all communities.”

The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program delivers seed and pre-development funding to equity-eligible contractors, nonprofits and cooperatives working on renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. The program is a critical part of the state’s work to expand access to clean energy while reducing systemic barriers to development.

CHICAGO – Encouraging students and children throughout the community to continue their education through summer reading, State Senator Lakesia Collins is launching her Summer Book Club for residents in the 5^th District.

“Reading is one of the most important skills a child can practice, and by continuing to read they will be better prepared for the new school year,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This is a fun way to keep kids engaged with school topics and gives them something to work toward this summer.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Collins’ Chicago office by Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a prize and a certificate from Senator Collins.