Rock Island Today

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) are announcing a $4.5 million grant funding competition to support efforts to create science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent development strategies and support innovation. 

"To make sure our local economy thrives and that good-paying, sustainable jobs are created right here in Central and Northwestern Illinois, we need to make sure we have a prepared workforce," said Sorensen. "I'm proud to help announce this funding to build a strong pool of talent and foster a regional technology innovation hub that supports jobs for generations to come." 

Grants will be awarded to applicants who demonstrate how their program will develop or expand regional STEM workforce capacity to support entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future, and other innovation-driven businesses. The competition is focused on programs in emerging and transformative sectors such as aerospace, aeronautics, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, among others. 

Read more about competition details and requirements here. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

Original source can be found here.