The following is a column published by The State Journal-Register on July 26, 2024, was written by Beth Hatt, director of the UIS School of Education.
"The UIS School of Education submitted a proposal and successfully received $165,000 in fiscal year 2024 and an additional $165,000 for fiscal year 2025. The grant funding is renewable annually pending legislative approval.
As a part of the grant, a central Illinois teacher pipeline consortium has been developed. The consortium includes several key partners: Springfield District 186, Decatur District 61, Richland Community College, the Springfield Urban League and the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants. The consortium has been working collaboratively over the last year to design and develop a new teacher pipeline program.
The program seeks a diverse range of candidates, including paraprofessionals, parents of students in District 186 or District 61, community-based leaders and individuals with non-traditional educational experiences. The selection process is collaborative, ensuring that candidates meet the specific needs of the school districts involved.
Accepted students will receive up to $25,000 toward tuition and fees at UIS and may receive additional support such as laptops and stipends to cover daycare, housing and transportation costs. They will also participate in a three-day summer bridge program in early August at UIS."