MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – Leaders and educational leaders gathered at Western Illinois University to celebrate the results of a statewide graduate test-prep program on Monday.

The “Prepare for Illinois’ Future” program offers state-funded universal test prep for graduate school, licensure and career exams for all students enrolled in public universities.

Since the program launched two months ago, it has saved Western Illinois students more than $75,000 in test preparation costs.

State leaders hope this incentive to study in Illinois will create a bright future for the state’s workforce.

“If they’re going to school here in Illinois, they’re able to stay here in Illinois, find that career in Illinois,” State Sen. Mike Halpin said.

Across Illinois, the program has saved students almost $8 million in out-of-pocket costs.

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