SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — In a move to address the nationwide shortage of civil engineers, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched a student loan repayment initiative designed to attract young professionals to the agency. The program will provide $15,000 per year in student loan repayment to eligible new civil engineers hired after July 1, 2024, with payments beginning after four years and capped at a total of $60,000.

“Engineers at IDOT make a positive impact on the public every day,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This program will reduce the financial burden for new engineers coming out of college and open the door to a meaningful career.”

The initiative, created with legislation proposed by State Senator Ram Villivalam, targets positions with the greatest staffing needs. IDOT currently employs roughly 1,000 civil engineers, who are involved in implementing projects from the state’s $33.2 billion Rebuild Illinois capital program and federal infrastructure initiatives.

The program complements IDOT’s existing efforts to attract talent, such as the Intern to Hire program, which helps college students transition into full-time positions at the agency. Data from the American Council of Engineering Companies shows that nearly 20,000 engineers leave the workforce annually.