Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) has introduced legislation aimed at supporting Illinois engineering students and engaging them in the state engineering workforce after graduation.

Senate Bill 3855 creates the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act and seeks to provide scholarships for engineering students attending an Illinois public university. Eligible students agree to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for at least three years post-graduation.

“Our worldclass universities are educating some of the finest engineers in the country,” said Curran. “I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation to encourage more engineering students to stay in Illinois and share their talents and education helping to improve infrastructure for millions of people in our state.”

The introduction of the bill coincides with Engineers Week, which celebrates the significant contributions engineers make to our state and nation, and highlights the needed innovators ready to become the next generation of engineers.

“Looking ahead, one of the greatest opportunities for the engineering profession—and the state overall– is strengthening the pipeline of future engineers,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “The projects that will shape Illinois over the next generation will require creative, well-trained problem solvers- our own Illinois engineering students are needed in the workforce now more than ever.” 

The engineering industry contributes $20.7 billion annually to Illinois’ GDP and supports more than 182,000 jobs statewide. The realities of the engineering gap are being felt in Illinois as engineers retire and there are less engineering graduates to replace them in the workforce.

“This scholarship program is a smart investment in Illinois’ future workforce,” said chief cosponsor Illinois State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles). “By helping more students pursue engineering degrees and connecting them directly to careers with the Illinois Department of Transportation, we are building a strong pipeline of homegrown talent ready to design, maintain, and improve our transportation system. At a time when demand for skilled engineers continues to grow, this initiative supports students and ensures Illinois has the expertise needed to deliver safe and reliable roads and bridges for decades to come.”

Nationally, research data from recent years have shown approximately 184,000 engineers retired or left the profession, while only 166,000 new graduates entered the workforce, leading to an annual shortage of approximately 18,000 engineers. These workforce trends underscore the importance of strengthening the engineering talent pipeline to ensure Illinois can continue delivering complex infrastructure projects efficiently and effectively.

“Engineering is at the heart of building and maintaining the infrastructure and innovation that keeps Illinois moving forward,” said cosponsor Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett). “Our universities are educating some of the brightest engineering students in the nation, and we have a responsibility to create meaningful career pathways that encourage them to build their futures here at home. By connecting students directly to in-demand careers in Illinois after graduation, this legislation helps ensure our state retains the talent needed to become the next generation of engineers.”

SB3855 has been introduced in the Illinois Senate and is currently awaiting committee assignment.

The Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act will be administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from July 1, 2027, through July 1, 2031.