Advisory Groups and Partners
Illinois’ community college system is supported through strong collaboration with statewide advisory councils, higher education partners, and state and federal agencies. These collaborations play a vital role in shaping policy, fostering alignment, and driving forward a unified mission: to deliver high-quality, accessible, and equitable education to learners across the state.
Advisory Organizations
ICCB maintains several formal advisory groups that provide input on policies, initiatives, and program implementation. These groups represent community college presidents, trustees, faculty, students, and other education stakeholders.
Illinois Council of Community College Presidents
Represents community college presidents and chancellors, advising ICCB on statewide priorities, legislation, and strategic planning.
Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA)
Represents locally elected community college trustees through information exchange, training, and advocacy to strengthen governance at both the local and state levels.
Illinois Community College Faculty Association (ICCFA)
Provides a collective voice for community college faculty through professional development, advocacy, and collaboration to enhance teaching and learning.
Student Advisory Committee
Advocates for community college students by reviewing ICCB policies, advising the Board, selecting the ICCB Student Member, and communicating systemwide student concerns, including during annual Student Lobby Day.
Adult Education and Family Literacy Advisory Council
Advises ICCB on adult education policy, priorities, and alignment with workforce and postsecondary goals.
Partner Organizations
ICCB collaborates with numerous state and national organizations that support community colleges, faculty, trustees, students, and employers through advocacy, research, professional development, and policy alignment.
State Partners
Manages grants, scholarships, and statewide initiatives supporting community college students, faculty, and staff.
Brings together community college leaders through professional development, networking, and participation in statewide committees and advisory groups. The organization is comprised of commissions that represent key areas of shared interest and expertise.
Promotes excellence in career and technical education through leadership, advocacy, and professional development.
Encourages collaboration and innovation among professionals supporting continuing, community education, and workforce education.
Provides affordable, high-quality customized training to meet the needs of businesses, industry, healthcare, and government organizations across Illinois.
Positions Illinois community colleges as leaders in sustainability and workforce development by advancing education and collaboration around clean energy and green innovation.
Fosters seamless transfer among more than 100 participating institutions through the development of a statewide general education core curriculum and the work of faculty panels that articulate both general education and major-specific courses for transfer.
National Partners
Serves as the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges.
Represents more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.
Recognizes academic excellence among community college students and promotes leadership, service, and scholarship opportunities.
State and Federal Agency
ICCB works closely with state and federal agencies that advance shared goals in education, workforce development, and economic growth. These agencies support ICCB initiatives through funding, collaboration, and programs that serve community college students and strengthen Illinois’’ workforce.
- Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) – Coordinates Illinois’ system of colleges and universities through policy development, program implementation, and strategic planning.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) – Administers financial aid programs, including the Monetary Award Program (MAP.
- Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) – Aligns secondary-to-postsecondary transitions, dual credit, and career and technical education.
- Illinois Department of Early Childhood Education (IDEC) - Supports increased access, persistence, and credential attainment for Illinois’ early childhood workforce.
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) – Partners with ICCB on workforce and apprenticeship programs statewide.
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) – Administers vocational rehabilitation, SNAP Employment and Training, and homeless prevention programs, collaborating with ICCB to expand access for community college students and families.
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) – Provides data and labor market insights that inform community college education and workforce initiatives.
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) - Supports youth in care through access to postsecondary options, mentoring, and financial assistance.
- Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) – Assists veterans and their families with postsecondary access, financial assistance, and academic credit for military experience.
- Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) – Provides educational assessment, basic literacy, GED preparation, life skills, and college-level instruction to incarcerated inmates through the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services.
- Capital Development Board (CDB) – Oversees renovation, rehabilitation and construction of state-funded facilities, including college projects.
- Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) - Brings together government, business, labor, education, and community leaders to oversee the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan.
- United States Department of Education (Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education – OCTAE) - Oversees federal guidance and funding for Perkins and Adult Education programs.
- U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration – ETA) – Supports apprenticeship, job-training, and workforce innovation programs.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Administers education benefits to help veterans, service members, and their families pursue higher education and career training opportunities.
These partnerships reflect ICCB’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and equity across Illinois’ community college system. Together, they advance ICCB’s mission to strengthen colleges and expand opportunities for students statewide.