To bring more students into the education field, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) announced that Farragut Career Academy High School will receive state funding to develop teaching programs. “Students deserve teachers and role models that have shared lived experiences,” Villanueva said. “Bolstering Farragut Academy’s teaching program will prepare young people in Little Village for a career that will make a lasting impact on their community.” The Illinois State Board of Education awarded the City of Chicago Public Schools Education for Employment system a $237,000 grant that will be distributed between four high schools to develop Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focused on careers in education, including Farragut Career Academy High School.

CTE programs help students develop technical and employability skills to enable them to pursue higher education opportunities and succeed in the workforce. Students in CTE programs may also earn dual credit or credentials and certifications from partner institutions prior to high school graduation. The programs will emphasize recruiting underrepresented students into education careers to help meet the high demand for teachers of color across Illinois. Nearly $2 million in total funding has been awarded to 11 Education for Employment Systems statewide to recruit and support future educators at 62 high schools and vocational centers across the state.