Illinois will revolutionize educational support for public university and community college students through a $10 million program to provide free test and licensure preparation classes. Despite approval from the General Assembly, the rollout has faced delays, causing potential setbacks for students eager to advance their career prospects. State Representative La Shawn K. Ford expressed urgency in implementing the program to combat professional shortages, notably in nursing, and to enhance opportunities for minority students. Success stories from similar initiatives at institutions like NYU and Howard University underscore the program’s potential benefits. Gabriela Rivera, a student benefiting from such preparatory courses, highlights the critical impact on her academic confidence and career readiness.
“Studies show test and licensure preparation classes can dramatically increase test scores and gives black and brown students a better chance to succeed in the workforce,” said Ford, chairman of the Illinois House Appropriations Higher Education Committee. “We have an opportunity to give Illinois students a major competitive advantage to students in surrounding states. It is my hope the program can being soon as this is the time of year when students are looking to take tests.”
Gabriela Rivera is a wife, a mother, and a full-time student at Northern Illinois University. Her goal is to finish her undergraduate work and then go to law school. Due to her hectic schedule and busy home life, Rivera knew she needed test prep help for the LSAT exam needed for law school. She was able to get test prep help for free through the Diversity Scholars Program at the NIU College of Law.
“There was no way I could have paid for the test prep classes on my own,” said Rivera, a resident of Crystal Lake. “Without question these classes made a huge difference. I felt confident taking the LSAT because I was prepared. It definitely made a difference in preparing me for the actual test. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to take these classes.”
Representative Ford said that free test preparation classes may help reduce the nursing and physician shortage in Illinois. By 2025, Illinois will have a shortage of 15,000 nurses, according to ANA-Illinois, part of the American Nurses Association. It can also help with other skilled professions experiencing shortages.
“We can help eliminate the nursing shortage through test prep assistance,” Ford said. “The money has been appropriated. We just need to get the program up and running. This program can be life-changing for Illinois students especially for minority students.”