ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Literacy programs within the 27th District will receive over $290,000 in combined state grants, thanks to support from State Senator Mark Walker.

“Our community is fortunate to have literacy programs that empower individuals of all ages to develop the skills they need to succeed,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will support their ongoing efforts to help residents achieve their personal and professional goals.”

Within Walker’s district, adult and family literacy programs will receive a total of $290,900. This includes $150,000 for Township High School District 214, $85,000 for The Center and $55,900 for Hanul Family Alliance. Grants will support programs that assist learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math and English-language skills.

A full list of grantees can be found here.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — With the support of State Senator Mark Walker, school districts within the 27th District will see new funding this year aimed at enhancing educational and workforce training opportunities.

“In the House, I advocated for the creation of the Job Training and Economic Development grant program to improve workforce training opportunities throughout the state,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This funding will help support District 214’s career pathways programs in preparing individuals for their next step in life.”

Walker has secured $235,985 for Township High School District 214 through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Job Training and Economic Development program. This is the second round of funding from the JTED program, awarding over $15 million to 33 organizations across Illinois to bolster workforce training and wraparound services.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS –As a longtime advocate for greater investments in quantum computing development, State Senator Mark Walker is celebrating a major federal partnership in quantum research in the state this week. 

“Quantum research creates hundreds of local jobs, generates billions of dollars for our state’s economy, and keeps Illinois at the forefront of technological progress nationwide,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This partnership will help usher in the future of innovative technology, and ensure Illinois is front and center in these discoveries.”

Following past investments from Illinois into quantum research and infrastructure, Governor JB Pritzker, legislative leaders and representatives from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced Quantum Proving Ground, an ongoing partnership exploring the potential of quantum computing in Illinois. The partnership includes building a “quantum campus” where quantum computing prototypes will be tested and evaluated as part of DARPA’s new Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.

Quantum computing is rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. It has the potential to revolutionize every industry, including  banking, logistics, air travel, and national security because it will be able to process data at incredibly fast speeds. The new facility will include shared cryo facilities, equipment labs, and spaces for both private companies and Illinois’ research universities to collaborate and research. The campus is projected to generate up to $60 billion in economic impact and create thousands of jobs.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — To help build up the state’s blood supply amid the busy summer season, State Senator Mark Walker is hosting a blood drive on July 11 with State Representative Nicolle Grasse and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor.

“Blood donations are vital for accident victims, cancer patients, individuals undergoing surgeries and many others,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Blood supplies can dwindle as our calendars fill up during the summer months. I encourage those who can to take the time to donate — each donation helps save three lives.”

The blood drive will be held Thursday, July 11 from 1-5 p.m. at Pioneer Park Community Center, 500 S. Fernandez Ave. in Arlington Heights. Interested individuals should sign up for an appointment at bit.ly/WalkerBloodDrive and plan to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

For questions or more information, call Senator Walker’s office at 847-749-1880.