Full Text of HR0541

HR0541 LRB104 16082 ECR 29369 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited, online university founded by a bipartisan coalition of U.S. governors to expand access to affordable, high-quality higher education for working adults; and

WHEREAS, WGU's School of Technology plays a vital role in strengthening Illinois' technology workforce by equipping residents with in-demand skills in various fields, including information technology, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud computing, and data analytics; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' economy increasingly depends on a skilled technology workforce to support its major industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and financial services; and

WHEREAS, According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, in the past year, Illinois saw its largest job gains in the information sector, adding 4,800 jobs for a 5% growth rate, which led the nation and far outpaced neighboring states that saw a 0.3% decline in information jobs; and

WHEREAS, According to Business Facilities' rankings and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, Illinois raised its ranking to number six in the nation for artificial intelligence (AI) job hubs, up from number nine in 2024, and ranks number seven nationally for cybersecurity talent, reflecting the State's growing strength in the innovation economy; and

WHEREAS, WGU currently serves more than 1,500 active Illinois students in the School of Technology, providing them with flexible, career-aligned education that allows them to balance work, family, and academic goals; and

WHEREAS, Since 2022, more than 6,000 Illinois residents have graduated from WGU, including over 800 graduates from the School of Technology, who have gone on to contribute to the State's growing technology, business, and public service sectors; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 70% of Illinois WGU graduates come from underserved populations, including first-generation college students, rural residents, and military veterans, reflecting the university's strong commitment to equity, access, and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Through its innovative, competency-based education model, WGU's School of Technology allows Illinois students to advance based on demonstrated mastery of skills and knowledge, making higher education more flexible, affordable, and responsive to individual learning needs; and

WHEREAS, Illinois employers, from small businesses to major corporations and public agencies, benefit from WGU graduates who hold industry-recognized certifications and possess the technical and analytical skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy; and

WHEREAS, WGU collaborates with state workforce partners, employers, and community organizations in Illinois to align education with real-time labor market needs, helping the State meet its goals for workforce development, talent retention, and economic innovation; and

WHEREAS, Graduates of WGU's School of Technology contribute to Illinois' competitiveness in many emerging fields, including AI, data science, and cybersecurity, helping to ensure the State remains a leader in innovation and technology; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Western Governors University's School of Technology for its outstanding contributions to Illinois' workforce development, economic growth, and educational innovation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Western Governors University as a symbol of our esteem and respect.