SPRINGFIELD – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has kicked off the donation of over 500 back-to-school supply kits to assist low-income students in elementary schools across the state who are starting school or resuming their studies this Fall. The donation is one of the initiatives by ACEC Illinois to support schools, teachers, and parents of elementary school students who are both low-income and impacted by inflation.
To raise funds for the supplies, members of the ACEC Illinois Emerging Professionals Group organized a school kit drive between June and July this year and the leadership team of the organization will be making the official presentation of the kits to beneficiary schools and students in Chicago, Springfield, Joliet, Urbana and East St. Louis within the next two weeks. The beneficiary schools are Legacy Elementary Charter School of North Lawndale, Elizabeth Graham School in Springfield, Beidler Elementary School in Chicago, Taft Elementary School in Joliet, Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis and Preston Williams Elementary School in Urbana.
“We are excited that the ACEC Illinois Emerging Professionals Group came together to organize and raise funds for the worthy cause of providing supplies for schools and students across Illinois as the school year begins,” said Kevin Artl, president and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “School supplies are important and critical elements of the mix that helps students achieve academic success, and we hope our little effort will make a difference in the lives of the beneficiaries as they begin the school year.”
The first presentation event of the series took place at Preston Williams Elementary School in Urbana last week and deliveries continued this week at Annette Officer Elementary School in East St Louis. The distribution of the remaining school kits will take place at the beneficiary schools on the following dates:
August 18: Beidler Elementary School, Chicago
August 18: Legacy Elementary Charter School of North Lawndale
August 18: Taft Elementary School, Joliet
The date for the presentation to Elizabeth Graham School, Springfield will soon be determined.
“We hope these new school supplies will bring joy to the faces of students and ease the pressure on classroom teachers who oftentimes have to deal with inadequate school supplies for their students,” said Kevin Spitz, chair of the ACEC Illinois Emerging Professionals Committee. “We will continue to expand our initiatives to support education across the state and bring hope and excitement to students who are looking forward to going back to school.”
ACEC-IL is proud of its efforts to contribute to social programs in the fields of education and infrastructure, and its commitment to raising awareness of both government and citizens about the vital role licensed professionals play in maintaining and improving civil infrastructure. The Council protects the interests of professionals and the public alike by promoting rational policies and legislation and recently supported the “Rebuild Illinois” legislation which dedicates $45 billion in investments to repair, modernize and improve the state’s physical infrastructure.
About the American Council of Engineering Companies
Representing hundreds of companies, we are the voice of the engineering industry in Illinois. With roots dating back more than 100 years, ACEC Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. Our primary mission is to strengthen the business environment for our member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, please visit www.acecil.org.