August 07, 2018

Duckworth Tours Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago

 

[NORTH CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) visited Rosalind Franklin University yesterday to observe University research projects and discuss the University’s ongoing Innovation and Research Park project, which will connect students and graduates with biomedical companies throughout Lake County. Lake County Partners, a local non-profit, estimates the project will help create 500 jobs and spur $117 million in annual economic development for the region upon completion.

“Cutting edge research programs like these are critical in fostering student development, making life-saving discoveries and boosting economic development,” Duckworth said. “I’ll continue working to bolster research at community colleges and universities across Illinois so that every student has the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects like those here at Rosalind Franklin University.”

Lake County is the home to the largest concentration of bioscience companies in the Midwest, including Abbott Laboratories, Abbvie, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Walgreens and numerous small businesses. In February, Duckworth introduced the Community College to Career Fund (CC2C) Act to help make education more affordable for students pursuing degrees in high-skill industries by making it easier for businesses to fill vacant, good-paying positions with qualified candidates. Duckworth’s legislation would create a competitive grant program supporting more partnerships between two-year colleges and businesses.

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