To offset what could be a record number of engineers retiring from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has launched the agency’s first civil engineer scholarship program. It will give up to 20 selected students up to $7,000 per academic year to continue their civil engineering education. “We must begin to increase interest in the rewarding field of engineering,” he says. The program is for Illinois residents who are admitted to or enrolled full-time at select colleges and universities in the state in a curriculum leading to a civil engineering degree. Recipients may also be able to work for the agency during summer breaks and be hired after graduation. The application deadline is Nov. 26 for the spring 2009 semester. For additional information and an application, click here.