Illinois students can get school attendance credits for time they spend on work-based learning through agriculture STEM and business-related programs such as 4-H and FFA.
The additions for work-based program excused absences were contained in HB3814, which Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law. State Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Woodhull, Illinois, and Illinois State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, were co-sponsors of the bill.
The Pritzker administration said in a news release that the law advances its work to encourage students to pursue workforce and career development learning while in school.
For example, the administration said last year Illinois students enrolled in an agriculture class could have their FFA (Future Farmers of America) dues paid by the state. It resulted in an increase in FFA membership from 23,000 to more than 41,000 youth. This year, Illinois State FFA officers served as Grand Marshals for the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.
Ag ‘pride of Illinois’
“Agriculture is our No. 1 industry, and it’s the pride of Illinois. But in order to ensure its prosperous future, we must invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Gov. Pritzker said in a news release.
“House Bill 3814 will allow students attending agricultural learning events to count that towards their school attendance. These learning opportunities cultivate professional development and responsibility in our youth, and their hands-on experiences ought to count towards their education. This new law is a major win not just for our students — but for the future of our agriculture industry,” he added.
FFA and 4-H programs in Illinois encourage both urban and rural students to participate in hands-on projects. Students who participate in work-based programs have been shown to make healthier and safer choices. They also give back to their communities long-term, fostering a culture of collaboration and hard work at a young age.
The new law amends the Illinois School Code to allow students who miss traditional classroom days for events in work-based learning programs Now those events will be counted towards overall school attendance. The student’s parent or legal guardian will be responsible for obtaining assignments missed while the student is participating in an eligible program.
“Programs like FFA and 4-H are essential to the future of Illinois, providing our young people opportunities to reach their full potential in agriculture to take our state to the next level,” added Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “Our administration is committed to expanding the pathways and creating bridges so that every child can be a part of Illinois’ No. 1 industry. Ensuring access to a well-rounded ag education, including work-based experiences like on our fairgrounds, is how we build up the future ag leaders of tomorrow.”
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II added: “FFA and 4-H provide not just agricultural training, but prepare Illinois’ students for success in life as well. I appreciate Governor Pritzker recognizing the value of these two organizations and the opportunities they provide to youth beyond the classroom.”
