ICCB awards $1.7 million in CTE improvement grants 3 local JUCOs net over $200K

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Community College Board announced this week that $1.7 million in grant funding to support the improvement and innovation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming at 21 community colleges throughout Illinois.

Colleges receiving these CTE Improvement Grants can use the funds in one of three ways: to enhance student transitions, to provide student-centered support services, or to strengthen the CTE educator pipeline.

"This funding will support student success in high need industries, including information technology and education," said Dr. Brian Durham, executive director of the ICCB. "The grants allow colleges to make a significant investment in advising, coaching, and mentoring CTE faculty and students, at a time when the need for a connection between teachers and students is paramount."

The community college system offers over 4,300 high-quality, affordable CTE programs across the state. As many Illinoisans struggle with COVID-19 related job loss, community college CTE programs provide an avenue to high-skill, in-demand jobs across a number of career fields.

CTE grants are funded through the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

John A. Logan College in Carterville was awarded $50,000.

The college will expand their dual credit program in each of the eleven district high schools. Utilizing a full-time career coach, the college will work directly with high school personnel to expand CTE class enrollment, helping to fast-track students into employment and job readiness upon graduation and assisting those students pursuing further credentials, training, or certifications as they consider postsecondary options.

Rend Lake College near Ina was awarded 88,027.

RLC will expand Wi-Fi access for CTE students to help improve their retention rates and reduce barriers that are common for students who live in the rural southern Illinois region that the college serves.

Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg was awarded $62,905.

SIC will provide high-touch advising and support to CTE students. They will work with area high schools, the financial aid office, and students, particularly those with barriers to success, to provide seamless transitions into and through the postsecondary process.