Senate Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at supporting Illinois engineering students and helping connect them to in-demand careers in the state’s workforce after graduation.

Senate Bill 3855 would create the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act to provide scholarships for engineering students attending an Illinois public university. In return, participating students would agree to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation for at least three years after graduation.

Supporters say the proposal is designed to address a growing shortage in the engineering profession and help ensure Illinois has the skilled workforce needed to deliver critical infrastructure projects. The engineering industry contributes $20.7 billion annually to Illinois’ gross domestic product and supports more than 182,000 jobs statewide.

Lawmakers note that Illinois, like much of the nation, is feeling the effects of an engineering workforce gap as experienced engineers retire and fewer graduates enter the profession to replace them. Recent national data shows that about 184,000 engineers retired or left the profession in recent years, while only 166,000 new graduates entered the workforce, resulting in an annual shortfall of roughly 18,000 engineers.

Senate Bill 3855 has been introduced in the Illinois Senate and is currently awaiting committee assignment. If enacted, the Engineering Students of Illinois Scholarship Act would be administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission from July 1, 2027, through July 1, 2031.