Reports
Strengthening Illinois’ Teacher Pipeline
Fiscal Year 2025 Accomplishments
Funded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) leads innovative regional programs to tackle the state’s urgent teacher shortages. Our FY25 Legislative Brief highlights a year of record growth, impressive candidate persistence, and our continued commitment to building a diverse teacher workforce that reflects the students of Illinois.
GYO-IL Regional Programs, Candidate Race/Ethnicity Compared to Illinois Teacher Demographics, FY25
Record Growth
292
candidates served in GYO programs across Illinois in FY25, marking continued record growth for our regional programs.
Exceptional Persistence
98%
of candidates either graduated or continued their teacher preparation into the next fiscal year.
Leading in TEACHER Diversity
Only 6% of Illinois teachers identify as African American or Black and 9% as Hispanic or Latino/a/e; GYO-IL’s candidates identify as:
38% African American or Black
27% Hispanic or Latino/a/e
Direct Financial Support
$1.2 million
in forgivable loans to help candidates cover tuition, books, and fees.
$311,000+
in stipends for student-teaching and essential needs like childcare.
Previous Reports
