Diversity and Inclusion Series: Illinois RISE Act Presentation comes to Kankakee

Kankakee, IL – Mayor Wells-Armstrong will be hosting a presentation featuring guest speaker Patricia Santoyo-Marin on the Illinois (RISE) Retaining Illinois Students and Equity Act. The free event will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in the fourth-floor auditorium at the Kankakee Public Library from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The RISE (Retaining Illinois Students and Equity) Act was signed into law on June 21, 2019 at the University of Illinois Chicago to allow eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply.

“The City of Kankakee is home to a diverse community. This new law provides eligibility for Illinois students, regardless of citizenship, as well as transgender students who did not register for selective service, to apply for the Illinois need-based college education grant. This new legislation can be of great benefit for the upward mobility of Kankakee students and families who wish to pursue the American Dream through higher education,” said Patricia Santoyo-Marin, M.A.

“Moving Kankakee Forward includes addressing the needs of all residents. Patricia’s work with students and her background in education highlights her passion for helping those throughout the community. Every student should have a fair chance at pursuing higher education,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.