Read the AACC’s 2021 list of “fast facts about community colleges” by clicking here.
Illinois Community Colleges Stand Ready to Help Students Meet Their Educational Goals
Every community in Illinois has a community college nearby and most people already know where their local community college is located. In fact, Illinois community colleges are the leading workforce development provider in the state, serving about 650,000 students a year, with 500,000 of those students earning college credit and the other 150,000 working in non-credit programs. In addition, community colleges provide customized training for employers, work with students to help them upskill, and provide preparation for high school equivalency (e.g. GED).
Read the full article here.
Manufacturing Outreach Programs Inspire Future Workforce
There continues to be a high demand for skilled workers in the advanced manufacturing sector. Despite the rewarding and technology-driven careers that are available, many students simply don’t know that such opportunities exist. This makes it even more important for educators and industry partners to align their outreach initiatives to increase awareness and generate excitement about advanced manufacturing through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs.
Read the full article here.
Illinois’ Career and Technical Education plan among the first to receive federal approval
The U.S. Department of Education signed off on the Illinois plan May 22 in its first round of approvals, which included six states. The Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Community College Board jointly developed the plan in collaboration with educators, students, and businesses.
Read the Perkins Approval Release
CLC earns National Green Ribbon School award on Earth Day
Reinforcing its reputation as a national leader in sustainability, College of Lake County (CLC) was recently selected as one of five postsecondary institutions to be named a 2020 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School (ED-GRS), announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2020. This is the first time the college has been granted this national recognition.
WI-FI Hotspot Map for Students in Illinois
Through a multi-organization collaboration, a “drive up wifi” map shows geographic locations across Illinois that offer internet connectivity options for students at no charge. The interactive map is now available and the hotspot locations in parking lots at anchor locations will continue to grow across the state.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources
The Illinois Community College Board has a created a webpage with Coronavirus guidance, general information and resources for our constituents.
Go to https://www.iccb.org/iccb/coronavirus-guidance-resources/.
Statewide Meetings for Draft 2 of the Perkins V Plan
The State Board of Education and the Community College Board have scheduled statewide meetings regarding draft 2 of the Perkins V plan. One of these events is taking place in or around your legislative district.
Click on the graphic to view the schedule.
SWIC Students Win National Contest
Southwestern Illinois College’s Precision Machining Technology program competed in and won a Department of Defense Advanced Manufacturing contest held in Danville, VA last week. This team also won the national SKILLS USA competition this year.
Medical Assistant program growing at JWCC
A year after its inception, John Wood Community College’s medical assistant program has more than doubled in size, according to school officials.
They said the program has 13 students enrolled after 6 graduated last year. Officials said medical assistants can take on many roles at a doctors office from taking payments to taking a patients vitals.
“It takes less training and they can be overseen by a RN or LPN working cooperatively,” said Rose Ghattas, Director of CMA Program. “So that different skill sets can be used throughout the office.”