NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting a STEAM Academy for local students to get them excited about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

“Kids don’t get a lot of exposure to people who work in science or tech fields,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “There are so many people right here in our community doing exciting and interesting jobs in STEAM. This program is meant to put these opportunities and ideas within reach of our students and give them real-life inspiration.”

Beginning in September 2022, Ellman will take students on monthly tours of local STEAM facilities and bring in special guests to talk about their work in a STEAM field. Participating students will get exclusive insight into what it’s like to work in a STEAM profession and learn what they can do now to land a job in a STEAM field after graduation. Participation in the STEAM Academy is free.

Students from Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton, Warrenville, or West Chicago who are between the ages of 11 and 14 are invited to apply. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, and selected applicants will be notified by Friday, Aug. 19.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity to help students find out what sparks their curiosity,” said Ellman.

For more information and to apply online, visit www.SenatorLauraEllman.com/STEAM2022. Questions can be directed to her office at 630-601-9961.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced $100 million in grants available to public school districts and non-profit operators of early childhood centers, and urges local qualifying organizations to apply.

“Kids have the best chance to succeed when they have access to quality education in their most formative years,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “By ensuring our programs and facilities receive proper investment, we help young children in our community thrive.”

The funding comes through the Capital Development Board, in consultation with the Illinois State Board of Education, and grants will be released in two rounds. The first round of $60 million will be awarded in fall of 2022 and the remaining $40 million will be awarded at a later date.

In order to be eligible to receive a grant, recipients are required to match between 3% and 10% of the funds, as determined by the ISBE Tier level for the local elementary school district. Grants may be used for projects such as adding on to existing facilities, constructing new buildings, or carrying out safety improvements or renovations in classrooms.

“I hope programs across our community take advantage of this great opportunity,” Ellman said. “This is such an important cause, and we have so many deserving organizations that would make great use of this investment.”

Applications are due by Oct. 10, 2022. Interested organizations can find more information and apply online.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced $100,000 in grants for two local school districts, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education.

“Time and time again, we see that students thrive when classrooms are kept up-to-date and well-maintained,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This investment in our students is an investment in the future of our community, and I’m eager to see these projects begin.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to 600 applicants across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Winfield School District 34 and Community Unit School District 200 in Wheaton will both receive $50,000 grants through the program. Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman kicked off Parks and Recreation Month by announcing more than $700,000 in funding for local parks in DuPage County.

“Spending time outside is great for not only our physical health, but for our mental health as well,” said Ellman. “We have so many fantastic outdoor spaces here in our community, I’m so glad to see them get the investment they deserve.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

Local projects receiving funds include:

• DuPage County Forest Preserve District, Willowbrook Forest Preserve – $400,000
• Wheaton Park District, Briar Patch Park improvements – $317,500

In celebration of Parks and Recreation Month, Ellman is also holding a “Tennis Shoe Town Hall,” and invites community members to join her at the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve to walk the trails and discuss issues that matter to them. The town hall will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, and community members are asked to meet at the Herrick Lake West Shelter to begin the walk.

“Parks and Recreation Month is a great time to get outside and really appreciate everything nature has to offer right here in our backyards,” Ellman said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to enjoy our local parks and preserves with members of our community.”

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website.