Application period opens for Illinois apprenticeship grants of up to $1 million: Stadelman
Up to $10 million in state funding is now available for municipalities, non-profits and other community-based groups to expand apprenticeship programs, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.

Eligible applicants also include education institutions, industry associations and workforce boards. Qualified organizations can apply for grants from $200,000 to $1 million until 11:59 p.m. March 21.

This initial round of grants through the new Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Program will prioritize programs in non-traditional, in-demand Registered Apprenticeship Programs and pre-apprenticeships leading to RAPs that include finance and business, architecture and engineering, public sector and government, creative industries, information technology and health care.

“Through apprenticeships, people gain skills that set them up for financial stability and comfortable lives,” Stadelman said. “By investing in high-demand fields, Illinois is building stronger families, stronger businesses and a stronger state.”
View and apply for the grants through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website. Interested applications are encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance or watch DCEO’s technical assistance webinar.

Calling all poets: Your state needs you!

State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging local applications for Illinois Poet Laureate, an honorary state office that raises awareness and appreciation of the literary arts and humanities statewide.
The deadline to submit nominations is March. 5.
Illinois’ poet laureate, appointed by the governor, serves an four-year term and receives $35,000 annually in compensation.
Whoever serves as poet laureate promotes literacy and the art of poetry across various venues including schools, libraries, universities, community colleges and online platforms. The poet laureate is required to conduct a minimum of four in-person public readings each with at least two held outside the Chicagoland area.

"Not only does the position offer a tremendous personal opportunity," Stadelman said, "but the selection of a Rockford-area poet would provide an valuable opportunity to draw attention our region's rich arts community."
For more information on the application process and eligibility requirements, visit the Illinois Arts Council website.

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman is in Springfield
February 28 at 9:29 AM

 Great to see Northern Illinois University students and representatives at the Capitol advocating for higher education!

State Senator Steve Stadelman
February 26 at 9:17 AM
Not sure what a REAL ID is or if you need one? Starting May 7, Illinois residents will need it to fly domestically or enter federal facilities. Learn more and book an appointment: REALID.ilsos.gov.