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State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford partnered with Introspect Youth Services to host her second "Connect with Your Future" College Fair. All Illinois public universities were present, as well as Triton College and City Colleges of Chicago. Senator Lightford welcomed Roosevelt University and Robert Morris University as new additions this year.

The fair had a huge turnout. Many parents approached Senator Lightford to thank her for having the fair. They said how beneficial it was to have private consultation with the representatives. Many students also chimed in and said the college fair was extremely informational and useful for them.

The presentations provided by Performing Community Solutions (money management), Illinois Board of Higher Education (establishing the curriculum for Illinois state universities & consumer protection), Illinois Student Assistance Commission (FAFSA completion and state financial aid), City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago community colleges), and Northern Illinois University (CHANCE program) were heavily attended and a large part of the fair's success.

Senator Lightford is excited and looking forward to hosting her third college fair in 2014.

On April 21, Senator Lightford hosted the fifth annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Rainbow Tea Celebration. The event was a huge success, and recognition was given to more than 100 grandparents who exemplify the courage to face the challenges of caring for their grandchildren while striving to keep their families together.

Members of Senator Lightford's 4th District Women's and Gentlemen's Committees were on hand early in the day to set up. Guests arrived and were welcomed into the beautifully decorated room. Guests enjoyed food, drink and entertainment, and beautiful gifts were raffled. Senator Lightford thanked the grandparents for their dedication to their families and their communities.

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Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford sat down Friday to talk about some of the isses important to the 4th Senate District, including pension reform, concealed carry and education funding among others.

Throughout her tenure in the Illinois Senate, Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford has been a champion for education, working tirelessly in Springfield for increased educational opportunities. And through her Saturday University program, she's working just as tirelessly in the 4th District for local students.

Partnering with The Black Star Foundation, Lightford's KAL Saturday University provides instruction in math, reading and writing for students in fifth through eighth grade. Begun last fall, Saturday University opened its second semester in February with 90 students, who met with instructors every Saturday morning for 10 weeks. The free, community-based tutoring program is aimed at helping students improve their grades.

At the end of the semester on May 5, students received certificates of accomplishment and celebrated with a pizza party. Lightford attributed Saturday University's success to the teachers, volunteers and parents for their dedication, as well as the students for their hard work.

Plans already are in motion for the 2013-14 semesters as well as a possible program this summer.

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