State Representative La Shawn K. Ford announced that he had proposed to provide Illinois public university and college students with free access to classes that prepare them for graduate courses and licensing exams.
Ford, a Democrat and a former public school teacher, said he will be pursing this innovation for next year’s budget – fiscal year 2024 – instead of 2023.
Ford, appearing at a press conference with national dedication and workforce development expert Brandon Busteed, noted them state of matters with eloquence and without much fluff.
“Research has shown that traditionally underserved students have been locked out of opportunities because of poor or non-existent preparation for critical graduate school and professional licensure exams. This holds us back as a nation and continues to lock the doors of opportunity to some truly great talent in our state. The time of inaction and ignoring the truth must end in Illinois. As Chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Committee, I will examine solutions to support students seeking test prep to understand better how to better compete and overcome fears and challenges of exams. Illinois has a shortage of teachers, doctors, and nurses, and many more professional roles – and giving students that can’t afford exam preparation free classes is one solution to grow these professions in our state.”
