ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — With the support of State Senator Mark Walker, school districts within the 27th District will see new funding this year aimed at enhancing educational and workforce training opportunities.

“In the House, I advocated for the creation of the Job Training and Economic Development grant program to improve workforce training opportunities throughout the state,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will help support District 214’s career pathways programs in preparing individuals for their next step in life.”

Walker has secured $235,985 for Township High School District 214 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Job Training and Economic Development program. This is the second round of funding from the JTED program, awarding over $15 million to 33 organizations across Illinois to bolster workforce training and wraparound services.

Additionally, three local school districts will receive over $143,000 in additional funding through the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors. Local schools set to receive funding through the formula include:

• Arlington Heights School District 25: $96,754
• Prospect Heights School District 23: $34,088
• Township High School District 214: $12,851

“Investing in education is a top priority as we prepare the next generation of leaders,” said Walker. “This funding will help our schools maintain their high standards of excellence while providing students with the resources and support they need to thrive.”