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Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon recently released her report, “Illinois Community Colleges: Focus on the Finish.”
At a Thursday, Jan. 19, luncheon in Chicago, she discussed the actions Illinois must take to dramatically increase college graduation rates so the state has a highly qualified workforce to attract and retain employers.
In her opening remarks, Simon highlighted the Black Hawk College Locally Grown Foods program as an example of a successful community college workforce program. The report itself spotlights the Black Hawk College Early Alert Program (EAP). Launched in the fall of 2008, the EAP helps struggling students stay in school by connecting them to targeted academic or support services.
“Community colleges are the future of the Illinois economy,” the report states. “Nearly one million students pass through their doors each year in search of accessible, affordable education and career training. Unfortunately, too many students leave campus without the certificate or degree necessary for a good-paying job. Slightly fewer than one in five Illinois students who began their studies as first-time, full-time students at Illinois community colleges in the fall of 2007 graduated by the summer of 2010.”
State reports show that 21 percent of Black Hawk College students earn a degree or complete a certificate in three years or less, which is in line with the state average for community colleges.
This spring, students, faculty and staff will engage in discussions to better understand Black Hawk College data and identify strategies that will build on existing programs and efforts to further improve student success.
We have great programs and outstanding faculty and staff, which together have built a strong reputation for the institution and a strong foundation for our students and our communities. However, we recognize that we have work to do to prepare our students for the rigors of the 21st century workforce. Please know that your community college is up to the task!
Dr. Thomas Baynum, President, Black Hawk College
Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon recently released her report, “Illinois Community Colleges: Focus on the Finish.”
At a Thursday, Jan. 19, luncheon in Chicago, she discussed the actions Illinois must take to dramatically increase college graduation rates so the state has a highly qualified workforce to attract and retain employers.
In her opening remarks, Simon highlighted the Black Hawk College Locally Grown Foods program as an example of a successful community college workforce program. The report itself spotlights the Black Hawk College Early Alert Program (EAP). Launched in the fall of 2008, the EAP helps struggling students stay in school by connecting them to targeted academic or support services.
“Community colleges are the future of the Illinois economy,” the report states. “Nearly one million students pass through their doors each year in search of accessible, affordable education and career training. Unfortunately, too many students leave campus without the certificate or degree necessary for a good-paying job. Slightly fewer than one in five Illinois students who began their studies as first-time, full-time students at Illinois community colleges in the fall of 2007 graduated by the summer of 2010.”
State reports show that 21 percent of Black Hawk College students earn a degree or complete a certificate in three years or less, which is in line with the state average for community colleges.
This spring, students, faculty and staff will engage in discussions to better understand Black Hawk College data and identify strategies that will build on existing programs and efforts to further improve student success.
We have great programs and outstanding faculty and staff, which together have built a strong reputation for the institution and a strong foundation for our students and our communities. However, we recognize that we have work to do to prepare our students for the rigors of the 21st century workforce. Please know that your community college is up to the task!
Dr. Thomas Baynum, President, Black Hawk College
