Career and Tech Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offer flexible scheduling, work-based learning, and stackable credentials that provide a pathway from education to employment not only for recent high school graduates, but also for returning adults, veterans, and incumbent workers. CTE coursework is hands-on and provides students with real-world skills.  Success in CTE programming is amplified by academic support services, work-based learning opportunities, and business engagement. CTE’s reach in Illinois’ workforce continues to be expansive; currently, there are over 4,300 different CTE program offerings across the community college system and CTE consistently ranks high in terms of both enrollments and graduates. 

CTE programs are wide-ranging and are fundamental to the backbone of our society. Common examples of CTE programs in Illinois include the following: 

• Healthcare 

• Information technology 

• Manufacturing, Welding, Automotive  

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics  

CTE at ICCB encompasses a variety of grant programs and initiatives.  

• Federal Perkins Grant funding is available to all 39 community college districts. Perkins Grant activities are driven by the Illinois Perkins V State Plan. 

• State-supported initiatives like the PATH healthcare grant and the Rev Up Electric Vehicle Grant, as well as the Trades School Program Grant. 

• Programs of Study review and approval.  

• Robust partnerships with state and federal partners to provide training, mentorship, and professional development. 

Compliance with federal civil rights laws through the Methods of Administration program. 

Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS)

Illinois State Board of Education: Career and Technical Education Page

Illinois Postsecondary Profiles

Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL)

 Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems)

Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE)

Here you can find resources, forms, and ideas on how to create a program of study that fits with the needs of your institution. 

Page Contents

1. Programs of Study Application 

1. Programs of Study Components 

1. Programs of Study Resources 

Programs of Study form

This linked PDF document is the most recent program of study application form. Please use this form when sending in the program of study application to iccb.posapproval@illinois.gov 

Programs of Study Components

Programs of Study are sequences of courses that incorporate a non-duplicative progression of secondary and postsecondary elements which include both academic and career and technical education content, and lead to the attainment of an industry recognized credential, certificate, or degree.

All programs of study must follow 9 quality components as described in the Illinois CTE State Plan, ACTE Policy Benchmark tool, and in our Program of Study expectations tool.

The 9 quality components of a successful program of study are:

1. Development and Engagement
2. Employer-Informed Competencies and Skills
3. Instructional Sequence
4. Work-Based Learning
5. Recruitment and Access
6. Academic Instruction and Supports
7. Instructors
8. Facilities and Equipment
9. Continuous Improvement

Programs of Study Resources

Here is a list of additional resources to use for your program of study:

1. Perkins V and Special Populations – What Does Perkins V Mean for Special Populations?
2. Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides
3. Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary
4. Perkins V CTE Resource Handout
5. What is an Industry Recognized Credential?
6. Information on CTSOs
7. Perkins IV Crosswalk of Instructional Programs by Cluster/Pathway
8. Career Cluster Framework

Be sure to check out our CTE partner pages for more information.

Here you can find resources, forms, and ideas on how to create a program of study that fits with the needs of your institution. 

Page Contents

1. Programs of Study Application 

1. Programs of Study Components 

1. Programs of Study Resources 

Programs of Study form

This linked PDF document is the most recent program of study application form. Please use this form when sending in the program of study application to iccb.posapproval@illinois.gov 

Programs of Study Components

Programs of Study are sequences of courses that incorporate a non-duplicative progression of secondary and postsecondary elements which include both academic and career and technical education content, and lead to the attainment of an industry recognized credential, certificate, or degree.

All programs of study must follow 9 quality components as described in the Illinois CTE State Plan, ACTE Policy Benchmark tool, and in our Program of Study expectations tool.

The 9 quality components of a successful program of study are:

1. Development and Engagement
2. Employer-Informed Competencies and Skills
3. Instructional Sequence
4. Work-Based Learning
5. Recruitment and Access
6. Academic Instruction and Supports
7. Instructors
8. Facilities and Equipment
9. Continuous Improvement

Programs of Study Resources

Here is a list of additional resources to use for your program of study:

1. Perkins V and Special Populations – What Does Perkins V Mean for Special Populations?
2. Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides
3. Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary
4. Perkins V CTE Resource Handout
5. What is an Industry Recognized Credential?
6. Information on CTSOs
7. Perkins IV Crosswalk of Instructional Programs by Cluster/Pathway
8. Career Cluster Framework

Be sure to check out our CTE partner pages for more information.