Sangamon Sun

State Representative Mike Coffey participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) to celebrate the renovation of Menard Hall. The updated facility aims to enhance student services by providing a centralized location for assistance on campus.

"Investing into our community colleges is important, and LLCC continues to demonstrate their commitment to making student learning a priority," Coffey remarked.

In addition to the ribbon cutting, Rep. Coffey met with community college presidents and trustees from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). The discussions centered around the role of college education in supporting local economies and adapting to workforce demands. Following these talks, Rep. Coffey emphasized ongoing investments in community colleges throughout Illinois: "Continued efforts are being made to invest into Community Colleges across Illinois to provide students and staff with supplemental education programs and grants," he stated.

The proposed FY24 budget for Illinois community colleges includes a 7% increase in the operating budget. This boost is expected to positively affect thousands of students pursuing higher education across the state.

The ICCTA assists public community college trustees through training, information exchange, and advocacy, aiming to improve educational experiences for students while fostering inclusive learning environments that benefit communities statewide.

In related news, high school trades and apprenticeship programs are gaining traction in Illinois. These programs offer high school students career pathways through a "learn and earn" model combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Upon completing such programs, participants receive industry-recognized credentials that prepare them either for immediate entry into the workforce or further education.