Data-Driven Collaboration: Insights from the Success Network Leadership Communities Regional Meetings
This spring and summer, representatives from our Leadership Communities gathered to discuss how they use data to inform their work, engage with recent data to assess progress toward shared goals, and plan for future collective action. The regional meetings, bolstered by insights from the Success Network Dashboard, offer an opportunity for attendees to share strategies […]
Evanston’s Trade Collective Hosts Inaugural Skilled Trades Expo
The Trade Collective, a non-profit organization based in Evanston that connects high school students to careers in the skilled workforce, held its inaugural Skilled Trades Expo on May 5 in partnership with Evanston Township High School (ETHS). Held at the Trade Collective, located one block from ETHS, the event was attended by 88 ETHS students […]
Highland Region Pathways to Success Hosts Cross-Sector Convening
In April 2025, K-12 school representatives and business partners from across the Highland Region Pathways to Success Leadership Community convened at Highland Community College to review goals and discuss implementation of future programs. Feedback was generated regarding the status and needed development of work-based learning, team-based challenges, and career exploration activities in alignment with CCPE […]
Stephenson County Introduces CEO Program
Freeport High School, the Greater Freeport Partnership, and the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship introduced the CEO program for Freeport High School students to the regional business community in May. CEO, a year-long 2-credit high school course, brings enterprising students in touch with over 100 business contacts and supports students in operating a class and an individual […]
Freeport CUSD 145, Oregon CUSD 220 Receive Those Who Excel Awards
Highland Region Pathways to Success districts Freeport CUSD 145 and Oregon CUSD 220 were well represented at the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Awards in May 2025. Teachers, administrators, and school support staff from both districts received awards of special recognition and meritorious service, and Freeport’s Jena Kleindl was recognized as the […]
Sauk Valley Community College Hosts National Manufacturing Day Grand Finale
The National Manufacturing Day Grand Finale event, held on April 25 at Sauk Valley Community College, was a great success, with six area high schools and 102 students in attendance. Throughout the year, the planning committee visited local high schools to promote the many exciting careers in manufacturing and to guide students on educational pathways […]
Whiteside Area Career Center Hosts Work-Based Learning Signing Day
On May 20, 2025, the Whiteside Area Career Center (WACC) proudly hosted its Work-Based Learning Signing Day, recognizing an exceptional group of students who turned their internships into employment opportunities! Nine students from various sending school districts were recognized for their outstanding performance and professionalism during their internships. Each of these students was offered a […]
District 214 Invests in the Future of Finance
Stocks surged, headlines broke, and 90 high school students raced to outsmart the market. With every tick of the clock, profits were made or lost, and every decision had the capability to push a team ahead or send their portfolio crashing. On Wednesday, April 16, students from all across District 214 gathered at Forest View […]
Strengthening Pathways Through Regional Collaboration in NCI/Starved Rock Region
In May, members of the NCI/Starved Rock Region Leadership Community team met with the new Director of the LaSalle Peru Area Career Center and the Starved Rock Association for Vocational and Technical Education at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). Members also took a tour of the Area Career Center. The group reaffirmed its goals to […]
Workforce Education Committee Welcomes Workforce Education Director to Lead County-Wide Talent Development
Marking a new chapter in the region’s workforce development journey, a partnership between Vermilion Advantage, Danville Area Community College (DACC), and the Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System (VVEDS) officially formed the Workforce Education Committee – a collaborative effort to address regional labor shortages and support student-to-career pipelines.