CHICAGO – With the intention of increasing diversity in and access to apprenticeship programs, State Senator Robert Peters safeguarded a more than $1 million investment for Chicago construction and building apprenticeship programs.

“Trade careers are a great option for those seeking long-term employment with dignified conditions and a living wage,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “Investments in construction and building trade apprenticeships will ensure that disinvested communities have access to jobs and the opportunities that come with them.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprenticeships in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain long-term employment in the construction trades.

A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. With the support of Peters, a total of over $1 million will be coming to Children First Fund, Hire360 and Tools Up Foundation, Inc.

“Black and Brown communities have historically been denied these opportunities,” Peters said. “Increasing access to apprenticeship programs with barrier reduction services such as tuition waivers and stipends helps to ensure long-term personal and workforce success.”

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry-aligned certifications to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging current and former youth under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2023 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“Furthering education is often a pathway of employment stability,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This scholarship opportunity can reinforce gaps in financial and social equity that young adults who have experienced the DCFS system have potentially missed out on.”

The DCFS Scholarship Program is open to youth who have an open DCFS case, whose cases were closed through adoption or guardianship, or who aged out of care at 18 or older. Youth who are at least 16 years old and not yet 21 on March 31 may apply. The program will award 53 academic scholarships in total.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on their scholastic record, community and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and a written personal statement. Recipients will receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and universities, a monthly grant of $1,506 to offset other expenses and a medical card.

“The DCFS Scholarship Program is an important tool to help alleviate the numerous expenses and stressors that accumulate while transitioning from high-school to college,” Peters said.

Applications are due by March 31. More information and the application are available at any DCFS regional office or online at www2.illinois.gov/dcfs under “DCFS Features” on the homepage.

Students or caregivers may also call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 with questions about the application process or for more information.

CHICAGO – Following the Wednesday morning high-rise fire at the Harper Square Cooperative apartments in Kenwood that killed one person and injured seven, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the deadly fire that happened earlier today at Harper Square Cooperative, and would like to send my deepest condolences to the family members that unfortunately lost their loved one today. Tragedies such as this often force us to remember how precious and fragile life is.

Thank you to the firefighters and first responders for their efforts in securing the building and those affected by the fire. I would also like to thank constituents who have reached out to assist those who have been displaced by the fire.”

Senator Peters encourages those affected by the fire in need of support services to contact his office at (708) 730-4283 or by visiting www.SenatorRobertPeters.com.

Senator excited to begin second term

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters was eager to be sworn in Wednesday to represent Illinois’ 13th Senate District.

As a former community organizer who overcame immense personal hurdles in his early life, Peters proved to be a fierce legislator in his first few years in the Senate. Peters was one of the top advocates for the monumental criminal justice reform package, known as the SAFE-T Act, which was signed into law in 2021.