Policy Committee Meeting: September 24, 2025

The Policy Committee‘s meeting on September 24 included a new report on higher education outcomes from the Illinois Workforce and Education Resource Collaborative, a new memo on the implementation challenges of College and Career Pathway Endorsement, updates on state dual credit policy, cut score reevaluation, and new resources.

College and High School at the Same Time in Vienna

For over a decade, Vienna High School has had multiple students who have marched to pomp and circumstance back-to-back. Class of 2025 seniors Ethyn Bradley (SCC), Jael Griesbach (SIC), Ora Goines (SIC), Leeann Jackson (SCC), Briley McBride (SCC), Tracy Simpson (SCC), Kendyl Sparks (SCC), Gabrielle Taylor (SCC), and Parker Trovillion (SCC) have not only completed […]

Vienna High School Recognizes Students Earning CNA and CCPE

Sherie Smith, Vienna nursing instructor, pinned 23 new nurses graduating from the Vienna High School program. The pinning featured remarks from principal John Giffin, Shawnee College dean of allied health and nursing Mandy Hannon, Max Hook with a scholarship presentation, and superintendent Dr. Joshua Stafford. Vienna’s program is regulated under the Illinois Department of Public […]

Policy Committee Meeting: June 10, 2025

The Success Network Policy Committee’s 2025 Q2 meeting featured legislative updates, emerging findings from the College and Career Pathway Endorsement workgroup, and new resources.

Barrington 220’s K-Lab Supports Education Career Pathway

In the fall of 2024, Barrington 220 launched its innovative Kindergarten Lab Program, or K-Lab, at Barrington High School (BHS). As the first program of its kind in Illinois, the full-day program offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience for the district’s young learners as well as high school students who plan to work in the field of […]

District 214 Apprentices Lead the Way in the State’s Ambassador Program

Young adults need quality preparation for successful careers. Illinois needs highly skilled workers to perform the many diverse jobs that drive a dynamic state economy. Pairing these facts forms a successful partnership – one recognized by the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board’s ​Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Committee, which launched the state’s Apprentice Ambassador Program last year. […]

River Bend CUSD and Partners Host Second Annual Education-Employer Symposium

River Bend CUSD joined its neighbors in Iowa to host the second annual Education-Employer Symposium. The symposium focused on how employers and school districts in the region could support each other through partnerships. In just its second year, the symposium brought together representatives from K-12, higher education, and employers in both Illinois and Iowa. Grow […]