Illinois Roads Scholar Program

About Illinois Roads Scholar Program

The APWA Chicago Metro Chapter proudly announces the 2025 APWA Illinois Roads Scholar Program (IRSP) on May 12-16, 2025 at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois!

IRSP is designed to meet the training needs of frontline public works employees. This three-year (one week per year) program trains in most aspects of municipal road right-of-way work tasks and is non-sequential so that one may start the three-year cycle at any time.

Registration is $799 and includes classes, materials, breaks, and the following meals: breakfast on Tuesday through Friday, lunch on Tuesday through Thursday, and dinner on Monday and Thursday. We accept 40 first-year registrants, and all attendees must register by the April 4, 2025, deadline.

For lodging arrangements, call the Effingham Holiday Inn and Suites at 217-540-7777 and mention block code “APW” to receive the discounted rates. Do not make reservations on the websites.

Participants who successfully complete all three training years will be designated APWA Illinois Roads Scholars and will be recognized at Thursday’s evening picnic/graduation ceremony.

Program topics include plans sets/construction inspection, MUTCD, 10-Hour OSHA, self-care, team membership, chipper/chainsaw safety, pesticide training/testing, snow and ice operations, construction zone set up, trailer safety, pre-trip inspections, live electrical line safety, trenching/shoring, GIS/asset management, small tool safety, flagger training, and more!

Make plans to attend this innovative, comprehensive training program at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois, from May 12 to 16, 2025.

What our attendees are saying:

• • This program is amazing, and I will be sure to tell my boss we need more staff in attendance.
  • It is the best program I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.
  • This program has been eye-opening and will change the way I approach work on a daily basis. I am grateful for Steve and the other speakers who spoke to us during this week.
  • Very impactful overall experience.

IRSP attendees