$3.1 Million in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $3.191 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $1.5 million to the City Colleges of Chicago to make technological improvements on all campuses.

New computers, printers and file servers will be purchased and a consultant will be hired to modify the student system to meet adult education reporting requirements.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by Senate Democrat Leader Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $750,000 to Chicago State University to plan the construction of a new Head Start facility.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Charles Morrow III, D-Chicago.

• $250,000 to Life for Seniors, Inc., to implement a program to provide services for senior citizens who are shut-ins, so they can remain safe at home and maintain an independent lifestyle.
  This project was initiated by Jones.

• $100,000 to the South Side YMCA to construct a child development center.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the University of Illinois at Chicago to implement a Youth Scientists Educational Enrichment program.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Mary E. Flowers, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to the Messiah St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church to hire staff, purchase computers, office and recreational supplies and equipment, a stove and refrigerator and a van for its youth development programs.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Donne E. Trotter, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to New Original Ministries to purchase computers, software, a digital camera and network service for the expansion of its youth and seniors programs.
  This project was initiated by Trotter.

• $50,000 to Miracle Temple Faith Church to purchase land for recreational use by the Candace-Rose Community Outreach program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. William "Bill" Shaw, D-Dolton.

• $50,000 to Community Human Services, Inc., to hire an instructor, two program assistants and a clerical assistant for its "Exodus to Excellence" initiative.

• $50,000 to City Colleges of Chicago to implement a 10 week Basic Food Training Preparation program at Kennedy King College.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Daniel J. Burke, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to the Southwest Youth Collaborative to support its Youth Entrepreneurship Training program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Barack Obama, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council to support its fine arts dance program.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Robert S. Molaro, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Metropolitan Family Services to support its Teen Resource Center.
  This project was initiated by Obama.

• $15,000 to the Business and Economic Revitalization Association to purchase a copier, laptop computer, printer, multimedia projector, scanner and office supplies.
  This project was initiated by Trotter.

• $11,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase a trophy display case and curtains for the auditorium at West Pullman Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David E. Miller, D-Calumet City.

• $10,000 to Chicago Public Schools to help with travel expenses to San Francisco for 21 Robeson High School students participating in the MoBeson Equity in Education Project.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.

• $5,000 to D'Estee Incorporated to support its teen mentoring program.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.

• $5,000 to the Akarama Foundation to support its Families As Mentoring Entities program.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.

• $5,000 to Positive Anti Crime Thrust, Inc., to hire a project coordinator and consultants.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Constance A. "Connie" Howard, D-Chicago.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools to enhance the computer lab at Yale Elementary.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools to purchase an illuminated school sign for Brownell Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Morrow.