Two Naperville organizations have received state grants intended to stimulate tourism.
Naper Settlement received $187,003 for a series of events and the Academy of the Arts received $250,000 to build a theater and performing arts center in Naperville.
The Tourist Attractions and Festivals Grant Program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, with grant recipients selected through a competitive process in which each applicant demonstrates how the award would help businesses based on factors such as proximity to commercial corridors, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets. and other business operations, according to the release.
In addition to the Naperville projects, the College of DuPage Foundation in Glen Ellyn received $160,200 for the Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop exhibit at the college.
The City of Aurora received $192,779 for the Aurora Festival of Lights and German American Events LLC received $43,471 for the Christkindlmarket Aurora Winter Festival.
KidsMatter’s SpringBoard series will offer two free summer schools for high school students interested in healthcare careers.
The Health Care Careers Survey, which includes exploring careers in mental and behavioral health, and the Pharmacy Technician Preparation Class will each have 30 students. All costs, including books and fees, are covered. Transportation assistance may be available.
Applications are due April 28 and students will be notified if accepted the week of May 8. Classes at the College of DuPage Naperville Center begin in June.
Students who complete the inquiry class will receive college credit and certification in adolescent mental health first aid, a KidsMatter press release said. The Pharmaceutical Technology course will include certification exam preparation, job shadowing, and field experience.
The SpringBoard Series is a joint venture between KidsMatter, KidsMatter Senior High Board, College of DuPage, Naperville School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, Edward-Elmhurst Health, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health and others.
Applications are available at www.kidsmatter2us.org/springboard-series.
The Naperville Park District will host an open house to gather feedback on its master plan from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at the Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive.
No official presentation will be given. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and take feedback on ongoing updates.
Residents who cannot attend the event can view the plan online and comment between April 28 and May 12 at www.napervilleparks.org.
According to the park district, its 2023 master plan update will be based on its mission and vision as well as community surveys and demographic information, including the most recent census data.