Governor Quinn Announces $2.6 Million Capital Investment in Illinois Central College

EAST PEORIA – Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2.6 million state investment to build a 24,000 square-foot addition at Illinois Central College that will enhance a number of the school's key programs, creating opportunities for students throughout the region. The project will also create jobs and support local economic growth. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure that all people have access to quality education and opportunity.

“This investment will help Illinois Central College enhance training in several key program areas,” Governor Quinn said. “In Illinois we understand how important it is to invest in education and this addition will give students new and updated space in which to learn and grow.”

The $2.6 million investment, funded by the Governor’s Illinois Jobs Now! program, will build a large addition to the school, which will include space for truck driver training, auto body training and an alternative energy sources laboratory. The project will also include the renovation of existing space by upgrading the electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems; replacing windows and exterior doors; and making other energy efficient updates. The college will contribute $877,900 toward the project’s $3.5 million total cost.

In his recent budget address, the Governor unveiled his plan to double the state’s investment in the Monetary Award Program (MAP) over the next five years. In the first year alone, the plan will provide 21,000 more students with an opportunity to attend college that would not otherwise be available. The Governor is also working to increase access to higher education through dual enrollment and early college programs.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has fought to preserve education from radical budget cuts, and built and repaired 978 schools. In his budget address this year, Governor Quinn laid out an honest and responsible budget for the next fiscal year along with a five-year blueprint that will secure the state’s finances for the long-term, provide significant tax relief to homeowners and working families and invest like never before in education and early childhood.

Illinois Central College offers two-year associate’s degrees and certificates in such disciplines as Agriculture, Business, English, Health Careers and Library Assisting. The school offers highly flexible scheduling that makes taking courses convenient for all students, with weekend, evening and online courses available in all departments. Campuses are located in East Peoria, Pekin and in downtown and north Peoria.

Governor Quinn’s $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.