Parkland Updates: Marijuana and SWFT

I have a couple Parkland updates, both referenced in other County organizations. First, Parkland will be having an educational event open to the public on marijuana legalization and how students and others in the community can stay on the right side of the new law. From Parkland's website:

The legalization of recreational cannabis in Illinois will be the topic of an information session at Parkland College later this month.

The session, "New Legalization of Recreational Marijuana: Laws and Restrictions," will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Union cafeteria.

Parkland College's Student Life, Public Safety, and Dean of Students' offices, as well as the Parkland College Black Student Success Project student group, are hosting this event. Parkland Police Chief William Colbrook and Dean of Students Dr. Marietta Turner will provide an overview of the law, discuss how it might impact students, and provide other vital information. 

The event was brought up in the last two Champaign County Community Coalition meetings, with details this month.

Parkland's Support for Workforce Training (SWFT) program was also highlighted in a presentation to the Champaign County Reentry Council this month. More information on that program at a previous Cheat Sheet post here.

The program is aimed towards underserved populations, including the formerly incarcerated. Some of the highlights from the presentations included eligibility and benefits. The free program covers books and fees. A small stipend is available to help cover transportation and other basic costs. Parkland's Center for Academic Success provides access to a "success coach."

Eligibility is open to 18 year old (or those who will be 18 by the time they start) residents in Parkland's District 505. Depending on the specific program or career path, there may be some restrictions on prior offenses, but generally the program is open to and actively reaching out to the formerly incarcerated. Outreach includes various census tracts in the district as well as underserved populations, though the application process is open to all eligible residents of the district.

The application page is available here. More information about the program in general available here.