Washington D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce today awarded Illinois Central College (ICC) with a $3 million Economic Development Administration grant to support the development of the new Workforce Sustainability Center. In addition to the $3 million grant, ICC will receive nearly $6 million from state and local matching funds.
“Workforce development programs are essential to filling the over 7 million unfilled jobs we have in this country and Dr. Quirk-Bailey and her leadership team at Illinois Central College (ICC) are leading the way in our state to ensure students are prepared to enter into today’s dynamic workforce,” said Rep. Darin LaHood. “I applaud President Trump and his Administration for recognizing this important work that is being done in East Peoria at ICC. This award will provide our community with new workforce development facilities and make certain Illinois’ next generation of workers have the skills they need to succeed.”
“As shown by the work of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, the Trump Administration is committed to providing workers with the skills they need for good jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “I look forward to seeing how Illinois Central College’s new workforce training center will tailor East Peoria’s workforce to the skills that businesses need.”
"Illinois Central College is excited and inspired by what the funding for the Workforce Sustainability Center means for our students and all of our community. Thirteen programs will be housed in this state-of-the-art facility. The students completing these programs will be integral to meeting our area's current and emerging workforce needs over the next decade, particularly in manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. This building will showcase the best of sustainable practices, not only in its design and operations, but also in its functionality as it provides credentials for the green industry workforce," said Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President, Illinois Central College
"Our thanks to the Economic Development Administration for seeing the value of investing in Greater Peoria's workforce. When we work with businesses - whether already in the region, looking to startup and scale up, or looking to locate here - we consistently hear that workforce is their number one priority. ICC's Workforce Sustainability Center will help our region fill those critical jobs and help our citizens find meaningful work," said Christopher Setti, CEO, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.
The funding provided today supports the development of the Illinois Central College Workforce Sustainability Center. This new state-of-the-art facility will help train workers across Illinois and prepare them to enter the workforce. As technology continues to modernize, this adaptable facility will ensure Illinoisans are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to enter the workforce and close the jobs gap in our community.
