To All Illinois Parents and Guardians:

As a father myself, I know personally how much parents hope their children will grow up to be hard-working, productive, successful adults. And as Governor, I know that the economic future of our state depends on a skilled, well-educated and well-prepared workforce. So as your child begins these last two years of high school, I want to make sure you know about the resources the State of Illinois can provide to help you and your child make thoughtful, well-informed choices about education and career options.

Over the last 20 years, millions of students have accessed the Illinois Department of Employment Security's Career Information System (CIS), getting up-to-date, Illinois-specific information on careers, colleges and financial aid programs. Now that information is available free on the Internet - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - at www.ILWorkInfo.com/icrn. For example, a student considering a career as a respiratory therapy technician can consult this site to find out what that job entails, what training is required, and what the average wages are in Illinois.

While no one expects the average 16-year-old to have a complete career plan in place, students who have some idea of their future vocation tend to get higher grades in high school and find more success after graduation. So it's a good idea to encourage your child to start thinking now about finding a suitable and satisfying career.

I wish you and your family the best of luck over these next few years as you work together to chart a bright, successful future for your child.

Sincerely,

Rod R. Blagojevich