Latest news with #PrepareforIllinois'Future
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WIU celebrates early results of ‘Prepare for Illinois' Future' program
Western Illinois University is known as an opportunity institution that helps students increase their social mobility. Taking it a step further, Western Illinois University is the first school to become a part of the 'Prepare for Illinois' Future' program. 'It's this access to affordable, high-quality test prep that can be the difference between that dream being realized, or that dream being deferred,' said State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. The program covers costs of test prep for grad students, licensures, and career entrance exams in areas such as medicine, nursing, and cybersecurity. 'What it means is these students are increasing their earning potential, and very likely if they are going to school here in Illinois, they are able to stay here in Illinois and find that career in Illinois,' Halpin two months, the program has saved students nearly $8 million in out-of-pocket costs. 'Of all the investments that we can make as a state, investing in the next generation's education, investing in that workforce is paramount,' said Harrison Dehnert, a Western Illinois graduate student. 'The program helps tear down barriers and ensure the costs are not a deterrent for students seeking to advance their academic endeavors,' said Justin Schuch, Western Illinois University's vice president for student success. The program doesn't just help the students, but also supports local businesses. 'The future success the Quad Cities depends on ensuring that students have the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive,' said Chris Caves, a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. 'Without them businesses struggle to find qualified talent, innovation stalls, and our community misses out on the full potential of the next generation.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UIS students now have access to free test prep courses, saving $1,000s
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — In the month since a free test prep resource became available to students at the University of Illinois Springfield, officials said UIS students have completed over 200 courses. The Prepare for Illinois' Future Program is a partnership between Illinois, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Kaplan, an education company. It provides students with free access to Kaplan's test prep resources for graduate admissions, licensure, and credential exams. Free test prep courses now available for U of I students The program is designed to help students prepare for their careers, and create equitable pathways to in-demand fields. Since enrollment opened on Feb. 18, UIS students in total have completed more than 208 courses and saved over $190,000. 'By providing free access to test prep for graduate admissions and licensing exams, the Prepare for Illinois' Future program provides access to a set of resources that might otherwise be financially out of reach for many of our students,' Brandon Schwab, UIS vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, said. 'This initiative ensures our students are better positioned for future opportunities, whether they are pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications.' Jordan Serrahn is a UIS MBA student, graduating in May. Serrahn has been preparing for law school with the LSAT test prep program from Kaplan. New program saves Illinois public college students thousands of dollars 'Beyond increasing my score and confidence in taking the LSAT, Kaplan has also saved me a significant amount of money,' Serrahn said. 'The program I am utilizing is usually about $1,800 out of pocket, but with the free Kaplan plan, I am able to access all of those resources for free.' Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to offer free, comprehensive test prep to all students at public universities and five community colleges. In total, the program has saved students more than $3 million in costs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
