Latest news with #IllinoisCommunityCollegeBoard
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois Community Colleges see increase in enrollment
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Community Collages across the state of Illinois have seen an increase in enrollment since this time last year. Enrollment in Illinois Community Colleges this spring increased 8.9% compared to last spring, a news release from Pritzker's Office stated. This is one of the largest spring-to-spring increases the Illinois Community College Board has seen since it started keeping records in the 1990s. 'With the largest Spring-to-Spring enrollment increase and the third straight year of growth, our community colleges have not only bounced back from the pandemic – they are now stronger than ever thanks to our historic investments in education,' Pritzker said. 'We are the home to the third-largest community college system in the nation, and we want to continue seeing growth and opportunity for working families by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the state.' Illinois Central College sees fourth consecutive semester of increased admissions Pritzker said that expanding access to affordable education strengthens the state's workforce and creates more economic opportunities for residents. The number of students has also passed 283,000, which brings the number of students enrolled above pre-pandemic levels, according to the Spring 2025 Enrollment Report. The report also states that 40 of 45 community colleges across the state saw an increase in students since last year. Duel credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit, increased 19.8% from last year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois community college enrollment increase reaches record high
CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — The latest surge in community college enrollment across the state is the highest on record, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced on Tuesday. The 2025 Spring enrollment at Illinois community colleges increased 8.9% from the previous year, according to Pritzker. This is the highest recorded increase from spring-to-spring since the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) began collecting enrollment statistics in the late 1990s. Over 99k granted to Illinois schools for conservation-based field trips Additionally, this is the third consecutive spring that community college enrollment has increased across Illinois. 'With the largest Spring-to-Spring enrollment increase and the third straight year of growth, our community colleges have not only bounced back from the pandemic – they are now stronger than ever thanks to our historic investments in education,' Pritzker said. 'We are the home to the third largest community college system in the nation, and we want to continue seeing growth and opportunity for working families by making higher education more affordable and accessible for students across the state.' In the FY26 Budget Address, Pritzker proposed a student-centered program to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor's degrees. On top of this program, Pritzker is helping launch a direct admission program to streamline college admissions to public, postsecondary schools with the goal of saving money for Illinois residents. Illinois State Fair adds Brad Paisley to 2025 Grandstand lineup Also, in the FY26 budget is a 3% increase in operating dollars for public universities and community colleges, and a $721.6 million appropriation for the Monetary Award Program (MAP). This money will be used to help students at, or below median income attend community college at no cost when their financial aid is paired with federal Pell Grants. The 2025 Spring Enrollment Report shows the third spring-to-spring semester increase over the last six years and brings enrollment at in-state community colleges past pre-pandemic levels to over 283,000 students. Other findings from the report include the following: 40 out of 45 state community colleges experienced an increase in headcount enrollment from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 Dual Credit programs – allowing high school students to earn college credit – increased 19.8% and has increased 61.9% since Spring 2021 Fix out of six instruction areas experienced an increase in headcount enrollment from 2024, including: Transfer programs: the largest instructional area in the Illinois Community College System – up 8.9% Career and Technical Education programs: increase of 7.6% General Associates programs: 23.4% increase Adult Education: serves students interested in basic skills, GED preparation and English proficiency – increase of 5% 'We know higher education is key to our future, which is why we've made historic investments to make education more accessible,' said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. 'Now we're seeing a return on our investment with community college enrollment surging. When education is more accessible and affordable, our entire state is stronger.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Elevate 2.0: A judgment-free path to GED, career certificate
Area residents who were unable to complete their high school education are being offered a cost-free path forward at Danville Area Community College beginning later this month. Those who complete the new accelerated 12-week Elevate 2.0 program will receive a Illinois High School Diploma — previously known as a GED — and be enrolled in a career certificate program, starting in the fall of 2025. Students may choose to enroll in any of the following in-demand career certificate programs: Public Health Billing Management, CDL Truck Driving, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding, Maintenance Mechanic (Manufacturing), Auto Mechanic, Culinary Arts, Direct Service Professional (DSP), Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and the Child Development Associate (CDA credential). 'In today's world, a high school diploma alone is no longer sufficient; higher education, whether through traditional routes or high-demand vocational careers, is essential for unlocking lasting success and opportunity,' said Chantal Savage Bryant, director of adult education and literacy at DACC. The program was made possible thanks to a $225,000 Innovative Bridge Transitions Grant from the Illinois Community College Board, Bryant said. For those who were unable to complete a traditional K-12 educational track, there are several barriers to overcome when trying to build a career path, Bryant said. Aside from practical barriers like financial burdens and lack of childcare or transportation issues, some also deal with embarrassment. Students also worry about a public stigma against GED programs being somehow less legitimate than a high school diploma — something Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker hoped to change in signing SB3792 into law in June 2022, which officially changed the term GED or 'equivalency certificate' to an Illinois High School Diploma. Elevate 2.0 is designed to help people move forward without shame, Bryant said. 'We're judgment free. When you walk in the door, we don't care why you didn't finish a traditional education. We are a safe space. We treat you with respect and we let you know that it's just the beginning,' Bryant said. Classes will begin March 31, and students will be able to participate in either a morning class, which will take place Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, or an afternoon class, which will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. Danville resident Deonta Brooks will be instructing both classes. Brooks has a degree from Auburn University in Alabama. He has teaching experience in both the military and at North Ridge Middle School. Brooks said he agrees with Bryant about the importance of keeping the program judgment-free. 'Our traditional system doesn't quite work for everybody. People get derailed, things happen throughout your life, and you may have to get a job ... So we need alternate paths for people to be able to get their education and then through that they can improve their lives and their children's lives,' he said. Those who wish to participate in the program must be at least 16 years old without a high school diploma. They must also submit an application and take a placement test. Applicants will also take part in an in-person interview to demonstrate a minimum sixth grade reading proficiency and to help determine if they have a strong personal commitment to furthering their education, Bryant said. Though there is no cost to participate, Bryant emphasized that the application process is lengthy and the work will be hard, so only serious students need apply. 'I say 'no-cost' because they have to put a lot of effort in. They have to be dedicated,' Bryant said. Those interested in participating should contact Steffanie Higgins at 217-443-8782 or via email at by Wednesday, March 26, to arrange for testing and an interview.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Elevate 2.0: A judgment-free path to GED, career certificate
Area residents who were unable to complete their high school education are being offered a cost-free path forward at Danville Area Community College beginning later this month. Those who complete the new accelerated 12-week Elevate 2.0 program will receive a Illinois High School Diploma — previously known as a GED — and be enrolled in a career certificate program, starting in the fall of 2025. Students may choose to enroll in any of the following in-demand career certificate programs: Public Health Billing Management, CDL Truck Driving, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Welding, Maintenance Mechanic (Manufacturing), Auto Mechanic, Culinary Arts, Direct Service Professional (DSP), Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and the Child Development Associate (CDA credential). 'In today's world, a high school diploma alone is no longer sufficient; higher education, whether through traditional routes or high-demand vocational careers, is essential for unlocking lasting success and opportunity,' said Chantal Savage Bryant, director of adult education and literacy at DACC. The program was made possible thanks to a $225,000 Innovative Bridge Transitions Grant from the Illinois Community College Board, Bryant said. For those who were unable to complete a traditional K-12 educational track, there are several barriers to overcome when trying to build a career path, Bryant said. Aside from practical barriers like financial burdens and lack of childcare or transportation issues, some also deal with embarrassment. Students also worry about a public stigma against GED programs being somehow less legitimate than a high school diploma — something Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker hoped to change in signing SB3792 into law in June 2022, which officially changed the term GED or 'equivalency certificate' to an Illinois High School Diploma. Elevate 2.0 is designed to help people move forward without shame, Bryant said. 'We're judgment free. When you walk in the door, we don't care why you didn't finish a traditional education. We are a safe space. We treat you with respect and we let you know that it's just the beginning,' Bryant said. Classes will begin March 31, and students will be able to participate in either a morning class, which will take place Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, or an afternoon class, which will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. Danville resident Deonta Brooks will be instructing both classes. Brooks has a degree from Auburn University in Alabama. He has teaching experience in both the military and at North Ridge Middle School. Brooks said he agrees with Bryant about the importance of keeping the program judgment-free. 'Our traditional system doesn't quite work for everybody. People get derailed, things happen throughout your life, and you may have to get a job ... So we need alternate paths for people to be able to get their education and then through that they can improve their lives and their children's lives,' he said. Those who wish to participate in the program must be at least 16 years old without a high school diploma. They must also submit an application and take a placement test. Applicants will also take part in an in-person interview to demonstrate a minimum sixth grade reading proficiency and to help determine if they have a strong personal commitment to furthering their education, Bryant said. Though there is no cost to participate, Bryant emphasized that the application process is lengthy and the work will be hard, so only serious students need apply. 'I say 'no-cost' because they have to put a lot of effort in. They have to be dedicated,' Bryant said. Those interested in participating should contact Steffanie Higgins at 217-443-8782 or via email at by Wednesday, March 26, to arrange for testing and an interview.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois could offer bachelor degrees at community colleges with new bill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois community colleges may start offering bachelor degrees with a bill that has the support of the governor. Governor JB Pritzker announced the proposal at his State of the State address Wednesday. Party leaders react to State of the State for FY 2026 'Illinois has long been a leader in expanding educational opportunities and preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow,' the governor said. 'By allowing our community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees for in-demand career paths, we are making it easier and more affordable for students — particularly working adults in rural communities — to advance their careers while strengthening our state's economy.' 24 other states allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees, including Indiana, Missouri and Ohio. Supporters argue since a wide majority community college students already work and can't move close to a university to do a four-year program. 'Expanding baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges increases access to affordable higher education, allowing more students to earn four-year degrees without the burden of excessive debt. This approach also helps meet workforce demands by equipping graduates with the skills needed in high-demand fields, ultimately strengthening local economies and communities,' said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. Central Illinois officials said the policy will increase Illinoisans pathways to jobs that are in-demand at an affordable rate. Bill removing cannabis odor as probable cause to search vehicle heads to Illinois Senate 'Community college students are deeply rooted in their local communities — they work here, raise families here, and contribute to the local economy,' said Dr. Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College in Normal. 'By expanding community college baccalaureate programs, we're meeting students where they are and providing access to the education they need to succeed without having to leave their communities.' Bills have been filed in the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate to enact this change. Illinois has 45 community colleges in the state, the third-largest system in the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
