Rep. La Shawn Ford: Time to Deliver on Free Test and Licensure Prep Illinois program can be life-changing for college students (Chicago, IL) – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) says the state has an opportunity to give Illinois students a tremendous advantage over other students by simply implementing Illinois’ program for test and licensure preparation classes.
The General Assembly has approved a $10 million program to provide free test and licensure preparation classes for ALL public university students and five community colleges. The grant money can be used for a wide range of test prep and licensure exam preparation including but not limited to GRE prep for business school, nursing licensure exams, CPA licensure prep, STEM and so much more.
The program was supposed to go online in January of this year, but unfortunately the program has yet to be rolled out. Continued delays will cost Illinois students millions of dollars and will stop many from even taking the preparation classes.
“Studies show test and licensure preparation classes can dramatically increase test scores and gives black and brown students a better chance to succeed in the workforce,” said Ford, chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee. “We have an opportunity to give Illinois students a major competitive advantage to students in surrounding states. It is my hope the program can being soon as this is the time of year when students are looking to take tests.”
Gabriela Rivera is a wife, a mother in addition to being a full-time student at Northern Illinois University. Her goal is to finish her undergraduate work and then go to law school. Because of her hectic schedule and busy home life, Rivera knew she needed test prep help for the LSAT. exam needed for law school. Thankfully, she was able to get test prep help for free through the Diversity Scholars Program at the NIU College of Law.
“There was no way I could have paid for the test prep classes on my own,” said Rivera, a resident of Crystal Lake. “Without question these classes made a huge difference. I felt confident taking the LSAT because I was prepared. It definitely made a difference in preparing me for the actual test. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to take these classes.”
Ford said free test preparation classes can also help reduce the massive nursing and physician shortage in Illinois. By 2025, Illinois will have a shortage of 15,000 nurses, according to ANA-Illinois, part of the American Nurses Association. It can also help with other skilled professions that have shortages.
“We can help eliminate the nursing shortage through test prep assistance,” Ford said. “The money has been appropriated. We just need to get the program up and running. This program can be life-changing for Illinois students especially for minority students.”
Rep. La Shawn Ford: Time to Deliver on Free Test and Licensure Prep Illinois program can be life-changing for college students
