State Senator Cristina Castro is urging community organizations, educational institutions and industry groups to apply for grants from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to enhance workforce training and economic growth in Illinois communities.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and building up our state’s world-class workforce.”

This latest round of funding provides $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

State Senator Cristina Castro secured $200,000 to sustain and enhance local arts programming across the Northwest Suburbs.

“Side Street Studio Arts is reimagining how inclusivity and art can come together to enhance our downtown area,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By investing in creative programming, enhanced venues and arts organizations, we’re opening the doors to more exhibits and performances that will sustain Elgin’s economic and cultural strengths now and into the future.”

The funding was awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Tourism Attractions Grant Program. Created to boost the state’s tourism economy, the program awarded over $1.6 million to 11 grantees in the latest round of funding for projects that will enhance local attractions, increase visitor rates and generate economic growth in communities across Illinois.

Thanks to the Illinois Secretary of State’s public library grants, two local libraries are set to receive over $317,000 for upgrades, State Senator Cristina Castro announced Wednesday.

“This funding is more than just a line item – it’s an investment in making sure valuable resources and services are available to everyone in our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With additional support, Elgin and Streamwood families will benefit from the diverse range of books, online collections, multilingual materials and summer programming at their local libraries for years to come.”

Awarded annually, the Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants support public libraries across Illinois in providing services to nearly 12 million patrons statewide. Grant funding can be used to support collection development, including books and materials, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital upgrades.

Illinois students will soon have more opportunities to earn college credit during high school thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“The two biggest barriers facing students today are time and money,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Dual credit helps lift this burden, giving high school students a head start so they can save money on tuition and accelerate the time it takes to earn a degree.”

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.