City of Rockford issued the following announcement on May 10.
Tonight, the Planning and Development Committee approved an agreement with the Awaken Foundation to support the Awaken 815 Culinary Program - a free eight-week job hospitality industry apprenticeship for youth ages 16-24, including youth from at-risk communities, in partnership with the College of DuPage’s Culinary program.
Under the agreement, instead of transporting students to the College of DuPage for this program, the Awaken Foundation will redevelop the vacant commercial building at 3415 East State Street to serve students in Rockford. The City will provide a $300,000 loan to the Awaken Foundation utilizing fund balance from the E. State/Alpine Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Fund to provide capital to complete the necessary renovations. The City will offer partial forgiveness of the loan totaling $100,000 upon completion of performances - $50,000 upon completion of construction and $50,000 upon successful completion of the program by 100 students.
“I’m excited to see new, innovative programs like this developed in Rockford,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “It’s critical for our community that we provide a variety of opportunities for our youth. This hands-on life skills program gives participants real experience and skills they can use throughout their lives.”
The agreement will go to the full City Council next week for approval.
Original source can be found here.
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