ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced that Valley View Community Unit School District 365U received a $40,000 grant to expand arts or foreign language classes.

“As a mother, I know the importance the arts can have in a child’s life – allowing them to freely express themselves in an often stressful environment,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I commend the Illinois Art Council and Illinois State Board of Education for putting a focus on such an important program that will give thousands of students a better school experience and make memories for a lifetime.”

The Arts and Foreign Language Education Grant is a joint initiative through Illinois Arts Council Agency and the Illinois State Board of Education. Its purpose is to support arts and foreign language education in schools, with an emphasis on ensuring that these areas become part of the school’s core curriculum.

The one-year planning assistance grant will aid in developing district-based plans for initiating, strengthening or expanding instruction in the arts or foreign language.

Valley View School District 365U comprises most of Bolingbrook, Romeoville and portions of Plainfield, Lockport and Downers Grove, and serves the educational needs of approximately 18,000 students in 21 educational facilities.

“Whether it be for aid in teacher planning or professional development, I am pleased to see efforts in funding local schools districts like Valley View,” said Ventura. “By broadening the array of offerings at local high schools, our students can flourish with new opportunities and programs that don’t receive enough recognition.”

To learn more about the Arts and Foreign Language Education Grant through IACA and ISBE, click here.