For District 214 students, a youth apprenticeship offers a chance to earn a paycheck, learn alongside professionals and explore a career before finishing high school. A newly awarded $381,851 state grant will support those opportunities.

High School District 214 received the funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program. The district was one of 23 organizations selected for the latest round of funding, part of an $11.4 million statewide investment announced by Gov. JB Pritzker and DCEO to expand workforce training and help people overcome barriers to employment.

District 214’s youth apprenticeship program connects students with paid work experience while they complete their high school coursework. Apprentices receive mentoring, take college courses and may earn industry credentials, building skills they can carry into careers and continued education.

Working alongside professionals also helps students better understand a field’s day-to-day responsibilities, build relationships and make informed decisions about their futures. Local employer partners provide the paid opportunities and guidance that make those experiences possible.

During the current school year, District 214 is supporting 58 apprentices as they gain hands-on experience and explore potential careers.

In May, District 214 recognized 52 graduating seniors who completed youth apprenticeships. Each completed more than 450 hours of work experience while balancing coursework and other school commitments.

The JTED grant will support the district’s continued work with employers to connect classroom learning with hands-on experience and help students take their next steps beyond high school.

You can learn more about District 214's apprenticeship programs by clicking HERE.