D214’s Practical Architecture Construction Program Builds Student Skill from the Ground Up

When it comes to hands-on learning, it’s hard to top the foundation-to-rooftop and everything-in-between experience that District 214 students gain through the Practical Architecture Construction (PAC) program. Now in its 52nd year, PAC originated as a six-week summer program. Students learned construction concepts and applications through lab-based prefabrication projects. In the mid-80s, PAC shifted to […]

Future Teacher Program Highlights

The Southern Illinois Future Teacher Coalition (SIFTC) has aided in the creation of Educators Rising or Future Teachers Clubs in the following 20 southern Illinois high schools: Anna Jonesboro, Cairo, Carterville, Century, Cobden, Dongola, Eldorado, Frankfort, Goreville, Hardin County, Harrisburg, Herrin, Johnston City, Joppa, Marion, Massac County, Meridian, Shawnee, Trico, and Vienna with 386 students […]

New Memo Outlines Transportation-Related Barriers to Work-Based Learning Access

The Success Network Policy Committee convened a workgroup to explore work-based learning transportation challenges and is now publishing the first of two memos, which shed light on the significant transportation-related barriers students face in accessing work-based learning opportunities. This resource identifies and analyzes challenges impacting in-school youth at the school district, local, and system levels.

2023 In Review

In 2023, the Success Network continued to expand its reach and impact through thoughtful convenings, growing the Network, engagement with students, new supports and funding opportunities for Leadership Communities, re-launching our data dashboard, and exploring policy and practice with the Policy Committee:

Greater Peoria Region Hosts CareerSpark 2023

One Postsecondary and Career Pathways (PaCE) framework indicator for 8th grade is for students to complete a career exploration day. In Central Illinois, several partners work together to host any area school’s eighth graders at Career Spark. This 2-day event is coordinated and hosted by the local Junior Achievement and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. Many […]