The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has donated over 500 back-to-school supply kits to assist low-income students in elementary schools across the state.

Students in Chicago, Springfield, Joliet, Urbana, and East St. Louis are the towns getting the supplies. The beneficiary schools are Legacy Elementary Charter School of North Lawndale, Elizabeth Graham School in Springfield, Beidler Elementary School in Chicago, Taft Elementary School in Joliet, Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis, and Preston Williams Elementary School in Urbana.

“School supplies are important and critical elements of the mix that helps students achieve academic success, and we hope our little effort will make a difference in the lives of the beneficiaries as they begin the school year," said Kevin Artl, president and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois.

“We hope these new school supplies will bring joy to the faces of students and ease the pressure on classroom teachers who oftentimes have to deal with inadequate school supplies for their students,” said Kevin Spitz, chair of the ACEC Illinois Emerging Professionals Committee.