Document rz6XpoqDZg2XjDez22Rmo1EJ

NEWS From the Office of LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOB KUSTRA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 1994 CONTACT: Mary Galligan 312-814-5220 KUSTRA ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM COLLINSVILLE, 111. -- Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra today announced the development of the new Environmental Technology Program for State Community College in East St. Louis. "This new program is the result of a remarkable public/private partnership among Illinois government, private industry and State Community College," said Kustra. "The students who enroll in this new two-year curriculum will have the advantage of hands-on training in one of the country's fastest growing scientific occupational fields," he said. "It's an example of what government, industry leaders and educators can do in the school-to-work effort." Earlier this month, Governor Jim Edgar named Kustra the head of the Task Force on School-to-Work Transition, which will guide state efforts to expand apprenticeship learning experiences for high school students in the workplace. The new program at State Community College is a joint project among the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, State Community College and seven major firms in the St. Louis area: Monsanto, Cerro Copper Products Company, Big River Zinc Corporation, A.O. Smith Corporation, Granite City Steel, Laclede Steel Company and Chemical Waste Management. The program will focus on water, air and ground pollution abatement, Kustra said. Upon completion of the two-year, associate degree program, students will be qualified for employment in government and private laboratories, private industry, governmental regulatory agencies and environmental consulting firms. m DSW 136098 214 STATE CAPITOL BUILDING SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706 217/782-7884 SOIC, SUITE 15-200 100 WEST RANDOLPH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 312/814-5220 STLCOPCB4036067