HOMEWOOD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III helped secure a $765,000 state grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Ascending Knowledge Community Outreach International in Harvey and Chicagoland Prison Outreach in South Holland.
“I’m glad to see residents of our community will get to take advantage of the Illinois Works program,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “Pre-apprenticeship programs like this are a critical pathway for ensuring Illinoisans are offered a chance to participate in the building trades, especially for people who haven’t previously been exposed to the option of trade school.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure a lifelong career.
In the district Harris represents, two local programs received a combined total of $765,000 through the program:
- Ascending Knowledge Community Outreach International - $325,000
- Chicagoland Prison Outreach - $440,000
Through Illinois Works, DCEO is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, the program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.
Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
