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.
Record Growth
292
GYO-IL teacher candidates across Illinois in FY25
Exceptional Persistence
97.6%
of candidates graduated or continued their teacher preparation into the next fiscal year.
Leading in Diversity
Enrollment is 37.7% Black & 27.4% Hispanic/Latino
Compared to only 6.5% of Illinois teachers who identify as Black and 9.0% or Hispanic/Latino
Direct Financial Support
$1.2 million
in forgivable loans to candidates for tuition, books, and fees
$311,000+
in stipends for student-teaching and essential needs like childcare
Previous Reports
