Education

We need to invest in our public schools, students, teachers, and volunteers to ensure that any child from Central and Northwestern Illinois can make the world’s next great discovery, regardless of their ZIP code.
That includes offering more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education so students have the tools to better understand the world around them.
Because the early years of development are so critical, I believe investing in high-quality child care is essential for setting our kids up for success and supporting our economy in the long-term.
More on Education
Central Illinois Proud
PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) — A Pekin high schooler’s painting is making a trip to the nation’s capitol after winning an art competition.
According to Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Pekin Community High School senior Rachel Fry won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for the 17th District. The art was selected by local leaders in the district.
Her winning piece, called Clownish Tomfoolery, will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Building for a year.
ROCK ISLAND, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) congratulated Pekin Community High School senior Rachel Fry on winning the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 17th District. Her winning submission, Clownish Tomfoolery, will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year.
Rock River Current
The city will replace a 105-year-oldbridge across the street from Constance Lane Elementary School next year in order to provide a safer connection for schoolchildren and neighborhood residents.
My Stateline
Congress Eric Sorensen announced a nearly $8.6 million grant for the City of Rockford to administer early childhood education to families in Northern Illinois.
“Making sure our kids have access to the classroom is a critical step to putting our children on the road to success,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to see our tax dollars coming back to my hometown of Rockford to support working families in Northern Illinois and contribute to our region’s growth.”
PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing over $8 million for Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (PCCEO) to administer early childhood education to families in Central Illinois.
"Making sure our kids have access to the classroom is a critical step to putting our children on the road to success,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to see our tax dollars coming back to Peoria to support working families in Central Illinois and contribute to our region’s growth.”
ROCKFORD, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen is announcing nearly $8.6 million for the City of Rockford to administer early childhood education to families in Northern Illinois.
"Making sure our kids have access to the classroom is a critical step to putting our children on the road to success,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to see our tax dollars coming back to my hometown of Rockford to support working families in Northern Illinois and contribute to our region’s growth.”
ROCK ISLAND, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing over $12 million in federal grant funding for Head Start education programs in Western Illinois.
"Making sure our kids have access to the classroom is a critical step to putting our children on the road to success,” said Sorensen. “I’m proud to see our tax dollars coming back to
Western Illinois to support working families in the region and contribute to the growth of our communities.”
WGLT - NPR
A federal contribution to a new STEM/Science Lab Building at Illinois State University could come with the help of U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen.
Sorensen has requested funding for 15 projects in his district, including $15 million for the ISU building.
“We have such a special way of life here in Central and northwestern Illinois,” said Sorensen, a Democrat who represents the 17th Congressional District. “And if we want to make our region sustainable for future generations, we need to make investments now that will support our region’s growth.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) led a bipartisan group of 24 of his colleagues in calling for funding the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), which invests in rural schools.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), along with Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03), introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster safety at schools within our communities. The Safe Schools and Communities Act will provide competitive grants to public schools to prevent human trafficking, improve drug abuse awareness, reduce gang activity, and end violence within our communities.







