{"id":4041,"date":"2026-08-17T13:44:30","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T13:44:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/?p=4041"},"modified":"2026-08-17T15:53:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T15:53:47","slug":"congratulations-fellows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/congratulations-fellows\/","title":{"rendered":"Congratulations, Fellows!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n.entry-title {display:none;}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.thumb-wrapper {display:none;}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-cd260e\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style1 ultp-heading-center\"><h1 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Congratulations, Fellows!<\/span><\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Earlier this summer, we began a fellowship for high school students to explore and learn about the impact of having access to career exploration programs in high school. While our fellows learned about the importance of advocacy, the power of storytelling, and how the education system impacts their high school experience, we learned about their goals and who supported them through the process of finding a career pathway after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-d0223d\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style7 ultp-heading-left\"><h2 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Class of 2026 Fellows\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-20f04a\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Travon Anderson<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Travon-1-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Travon-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Travon-1-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Travon-1.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHow I got introduced to CTE was through my school\u2019s career days\u2026 I want to be an HVAC tech and probably do residential.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">During high school, Travon felt unsure of what he wanted to do after graduation. As a senior, he tried some classes that interested him, and his brother-in-law connected him to Developing Our Youth, a community organization helping students in his area explore career options. While getting a haircut, his barber mentioned HVAC as a reliable career option. Travon has decided to pursue a career as an HVAC technician and is looking forward to working on getting his OSHA certification. He is thankful to have the support of his sister and his mom throughout the career exploration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-10457e\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Dulce Cardenas<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Dulce-1-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4051\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Dulce-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Dulce-1-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Dulce-1.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWhen I moved to Illinois, everybody wanted to help\u2026 While at my old school, I felt like I was kind of alone. No one was there to tell me what to do, or what I can do [after graduation].\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Dulce moved from a small town out-of-state to a big school in IL during her freshman year. That is when she noticed nearly all of her peers already had a career plan for after graduation. Her school district begins career exploration for students in middle school. By the time students get to high school, many of them have already chosen a career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">While she felt behind, she always knew she was interested in the medical field. Through the HOSA program in her school, she was able to take multiple AP\/dual credit classes and programs to explore a career in the medical field. She has decided to pursue a career as a radiology nurse and is thankful to have the support from her teacher at the HOSA program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-4f8c2d\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Kailani Fish<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8ad9adab wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\" style=\"margin-right:0;margin-left:0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Kailani-1-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Kailani-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Kailani-1-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Kailani-1.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cMy teachers who have supported me so much\u2026 They helped me and made me feel seen and cared for, and I realized that\u2019s the impact I want to have.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Kailani began exploring different career options in high school when she was connected to various CTE and Dual Credit classes. She followed her interest in working with children and discovered she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Through her courses, she learned about early childhood education and gained work-based experience working with teachers in their classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">She will take her class credits and clinical hours with her to a community college in the fall. Kailani is passionate about advocating for CTE and Dual Credit courses to be available for all high school students because she has seen the positive impact they have had on her and her peers. She is thankful to have the support from her high school teachers during this career exploration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-bba0a0\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Israel Garcia<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Israel-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Israel-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Israel-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Israel.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cMy sophomore year I started taking intro to coding and I really enjoyed it, so I continued on that pathway. My senior year, the CCRC program helped me get an internship in IT for a park district in Aurora\u2026 that\u2019s when I knew this is something I want to do as a career.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Israel began taking CTE classes after connecting with his school\u2019s College &amp; Career Readiness Center (CCRC). He had the opportunity to try a variety of career exploration classes and enjoyed computer science the most. CCRC helped him get an internship with his district\u2019s IT department. He is excited to pursue a career in cybersecurity and continue his education in computer science. He is thankful to have the support from CCRC, and his internship supervisor and coworkers during his career exploration journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-9da49f\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Grace Laubscher<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Grace-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Grace-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Grace-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Grace.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThrough this opportunity, I hope to expand my understanding of the Illinois education system. I plan to share my experiences and understanding to better support Illinois students accurately.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Grace began exploring different career paths as a freshman. She has been able to take advantage of multiple dual credit classes, CTE classes, and hands-on learning experiences. After these diverse experiences, she discovered her love for education and will pursue a career as a middle school math &amp; science teacher. She has become a leader in her school through multiple clubs and an advocate for education. Grace encourages all high school students to take advantage of any opportunity and try new things because you never know what you will discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-7442e6\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Khushi Patel<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Khushi-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Khushi-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Khushi-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Khushi.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI talked to my college and career center\u2026 they connected me with an internship\u2026 and I think that\u2019s what pushed me to go to college for civil engineering\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Kushi began exploring engineering classes at her high school and discovered she wanted to pursue it as a career. When she was connected to her school\u2019s college and career center, she took advantage of their internship program. She worked with two engineering companies as an intern and gained valuable professional work experience. She is excited to study civil engineering in college and is thankful for having the support of her college and career counselor in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-a43ea8\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style6 ultp-heading-center\"><h4 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Check out Khushi&#8217;s final video project!<\/span><\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"High School Internships &amp; Career Exploration\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_3PP_RKMeF0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-eedbee\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Reginald (Reggie) Postlewaite<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Reggie-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4056\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Reggie-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Reggie-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Reggie.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWhen I started playing basketball and making more friends, I started getting comfortable\u2026 [My friends and I] had the same goals in the classroom and on the basketball court\u2026 It made it easier for us to push each other to complete our goals.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">As a freshman, Reggie felt nervous and a bit lost in a new school. Basketball helped him connect with his teammates and support each other in achieving their goals. They focused on working together as a team and winning games while focusing on school and getting straight \u2018A\u2019s. Reggie enjoyed his computer science class and decided to pursue it as a career. He is excited to continue basketball in college and pursue a career in computer science. He is thankful to have support from his mom throughout his academic and career exploration journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-b225f9\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style5 ultp-heading-left\"><h3 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Bianca Wojnowska<\/span><\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Bianca-240x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Bianca-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Bianca-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Bianca.png 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAs I saw through my internship at the law firm, alot of people in this community are struggling\u2026 and that makes me passionate to go into the field of law and get people the representation they need.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">As a freshman, Bianca began exploring careers through her high school classes, and she enjoyed her Law class the most. She joined her school\u2019s mock trial team and internship program. She was able to intern at a law firm and legal aid clinic. Her internship experiences allowed her to explore the impact of law and how she could support her community by representing people who need it the most. She is grateful to have participated in the internship program and have an internship coordinator who has connected her with many opportunities. She is looking forward to pursuing a career as a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"Whatsan_Accountability_System\"  class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-heading ultp-block-0102d8\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-heading-wrap ultp-heading-style7 ultp-heading-left\"><h2 class=\"ultp-heading-inner\"><span>Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Their stories are unique and diverse, but they all showcase a student\u2019s need to have a support system to achieve their goals. These students relied on counselors, mentors, college &amp; career centers, teachers, and family members to support them in the career exploration process. Our students made the most of their high school experience, but they did not all have access to the same resources. What if all Illinois students could have access to the same career exploration resources? In a state where <a href=\"https:\/\/ilsuccessnetwork.org\/dashboard-postsecondary-enrollment\/\">most high school graduating seniors do not attend a 4-year university within 12 months of graduation<\/a>, we need to ensure all students are receiving adequate support in career exploration beyond the traditional college application process. We are proud that our fellows became a part of our advocacy work for <a href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/high-school-success\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"2434\">high school success<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*<em>Oftentimes, one size doesn&#8217;t fit all. In the same way our students have different career paths, they also have different image sizes!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Earlier this summer, we began a fellowship for high school students to explore and learn about the impact of having access to career exploration programs in high school. Join us in congratulating our summer fellowship graduates!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":4087,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","color_schema":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[98,14],"tags":[58],"class_list":["post-4041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dual-credit","category-high-school-success","tag-high-school-success"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Congratulations, Fellows! - Stand for Children Illinois<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Given that 90% of students attend public schools, statewide education advocates have a responsibility to create a values-based approach to turn the Federal Tax Credit funds into positive educational outcomes.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/congratulations-fellows\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Congratulations, Fellows!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Given that 90% of students attend public schools, statewide education advocates have a responsibility to create a values-based approach to turn the Federal Tax Credit funds into positive educational outcomes.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/congratulations-fellows\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Stand for Children Illinois\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standillinois\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T13:44:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T15:53:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Wordpress-Link-Preview-Image-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Karina\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@illinoisstand\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@illinoisstand\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Karina\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Karina\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9724b8f904c3f135cd83c6f0d196fc05\"},\"headline\":\"Congratulations, Fellows!\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T13:44:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T15:53:47+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1319,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/Wordpress-Link-Preview-Image-1.png\",\"keywords\":[\"High School Success\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Dual Credit\",\"High School Success\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stand.org\\\/illinois\\\/our-stories\\\/congratulations-fellows\\\/\",\"name\":\"Congratulations, Fellows! 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