Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro

Castro launches annual Summer Book Club for students

Details: Category: News; Monday, June 09, 2025 10:02 AM

To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Cristina Castro is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Books have the power to transport us to new places, introduce us to diverse perspectives and expand our understanding of the world,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Summer Book Club is a perfect opportunity to encourage young readers to explore the limitless possibilities reading offers.”

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 Castro’s Elgin office by Friday, Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive an ice cream gift card from Senator Castro.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download and print here. Families can also fill out the form virtually by clicking here. People with questions can reach out to Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.

Castro invites residents to shred event and food donation drive June 14

Details: Category: News; Friday, June 06, 2025 09:32 AM

State Senator Cristina Castro is partnering with State Representative Anna Moeller, KCT Credit Union and Gail Borden Public Library to host a free community shred day in Elgin on Saturday, June 14.

Personal documents for shredding will be accepted at Gail Borden Library’s main branch at 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin on June 14 from 9-11 a.m. or until the truck is full. Attendees will be able to freely and securely dispose of any confidential or personal documents, such as bank statements, canceled checks, outdated medical records, paid bills, receipts and junk mail. Only paper materials will be accepted for shredding.

The event will also serve as a donation drive to collect food and toiletry items for the Community Crisis Center, which supports local families impacted by domestic violence. Items most in need include personal hygiene products, dental care products, diapers and wipes, baby food, formula, breakfast items including cereal and oatmeal, and canned foods. Click here for a longer list of needed items.

For more information, contact Senator Castro’s office at 847-214-8864 or online.

Castro: Budget meets the moment, uplifts students and working families

Details: Category: News; Saturday, May 31, 2025 11:29 PM

After the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget Saturday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“In Illinois, we invest in what lifts families up — good schools, job opportunities, housing, financial aid for college students and more. As a proud community college graduate and first in my family to earn a master’s degree, I know the value of investing in the higher education hubs that fuel our economy and help residents thrive.

“Our budget increases funding for universities and invests an additional $10 million in need-based financial aid through the Monetary Award Program. Together, these will help our college systems better serve and attract students while easing the burden on families across the Northwest Suburbs who are saving for their child’s future by making college more affordable.

Castro leads dual credit expansion plan

Details: Category: News; Thursday, May 29, 2025 07:51 PM

State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to expand high-quality dual credit options that will save Illinois students time and money toward their degree while they earn college credit.

“Finishing high school with college credits already completed can open the doors to a meaningful higher education experience,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By enhancing the dual credit network across Illinois’ 48 community colleges, we are putting more students – not just those who can afford college tuition – on a fast track to success.”

Dual credit instruction makes higher education more attainable, especially for first-generation and lower-income students, by offering high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit through a single course. Students who earn dual credit in high school complete their college and university degrees at higher rates and are often able to save money as a result of having fewer college credits to pay tuition for.

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