ROE 47 Awarded $600,000 to Expand Youth Career Pathways
ROE 47 is one of 23 organizations awarded funding through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program. The $600,000 award will support two years of programming focused on youth apprenticeships for students ages 16–18 in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. Students will explore careers, build skills, and gain work experience in manufacturing, health sciences, transportation and logistics, and agriculture, food, and natural resources. Barrier-reduction services, such as transportation assistance or required supplies when eligible, will make participation easier. The team will also help them transition to the workforce or college after graduation. >> Learn more.
Pathway Playground
ROE 47’s Pathway Playground returns on October 16, 2026, at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon. Nearly 1,500 eighth-grade students from Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties are expected to explore local careers through hands-on activities and conversations with area professionals.