State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) is co-sponsoring new legislation aimed at supporting Illinois engineering students and engaging them in the state engineering workforce after graduation. Senate Minority Leader John Curran is the bill’s chief sponsor.
Senate Bill 3855 creates the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act and seeks to provide scholarships for engineering students attending an Illinois public university. Eligible students agree to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for at least three years post-graduation.
“Our world-class universities are educating some of the finest engineers in the country,” said Curran. “I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation to encourage more engineering students to stay in Illinois and share their talents and education, helping to improve infrastructure for millions of people in our state.”
The introduction of the bill coincides with Engineers Week, which celebrates the significant contributions engineers make to our state and nation, and highlights the needed innovators ready to become the next generation of engineers.
“Looking ahead, one of the greatest opportunities for the engineering profession—and the state overall– is strengthening the pipeline of future engineers,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “The projects that will shape Illinois over the next generation will require creative, well-trained problem solvers- our own Illinois engineering students are needed in the workforce now more than ever.”
The engineering industry contributes $20.7 billion annually to Illinois’ GDP and supports more than 182,000 jobs statewide. The realities of the engineering gap are being felt in Illinois as engineers retire, and there are fewer engineering graduates to replace them in the workforce.
“Engineering is at the heart of building and maintaining the infrastructure and innovation that keeps Illinois moving forward,” said Senator Lewis. “Our universities are educating some of the brightest engineering students in the nation, and we have a responsibility to create meaningful career pathways that encourage them to build their futures here at home. By connecting students directly to in-demand careers in Illinois after graduation, this legislation helps ensure our state retains the talent needed to become the next generation of engineers.”
SB3855 has been introduced in the Illinois Senate and is currently awaiting committee assignment.
The Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act will be administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from July 1, 2027, through July 1, 2031.