News Archives
Update for HB 5319: Community College Baccalaureate Programs
An important update regarding the community college baccalaureate programs and HB 5319! If you would like to learn more, download the fact sheet here. “Today marks an important step forward in expanding meaningful education pathways for Illinois students. The...
Answering Student Demand and Critical Workforce Needs — Community College Bachelor’s Degree Legislation Returns to Springfield
[Springfield, IL] – Answering Student Demand and Critical Workforce Needs — Community College Bachelor’s Degree Legislation Returns to Springfield Download the press release here.Download the fact sheet here. Building on Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership and a...
Illinois Community College Fall Enrollment Continues to Rise for Fourth Straight Year
Systemwide enrollment grows 3.7 percent from 2024; community colleges surpass pre-pandemic levels SPRINGFIELD (Oct. 23, 2025) — Illinois community colleges have once again recorded steady growth, marking the fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, according...
Illinois Community Colleges Launch Second Annual Feed The Need Campus Food Drive
Illinois Community Colleges are once again coming together this fall to address food insecurity and provide vital support to students and their communities. The second annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive will launch...
Dr. Sylvia Jenkins Appointed 13th Chair of the Illinois Community College Board
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Sylvia Jenkins as the new Chair of the Board by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Dr. Jenkins becomes the first woman to serve as board chair, succeeding Dr. Lazaro Lopez, who completed his...
Governor JB Pritzker Announces Support for Community College Baccalaureate Degrees to Strengthen Illinois’ Workforce
Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced support for new legislation—Senate Bill 2482 and House Bill 3717—that would allow Illinois community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields. This initiative aims to expand access to affordable, flexible...
Governor Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Continues Important Investments in Higher Education
State higher education leaders are pleased with Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes a higher education budget of $2.73 billion. The higher education budget emphasizes college affordability and supports ongoing initiatives by...
Illinois Community Colleges Enrollment Surges to Largest Fall-to-Fall Increase in 15 Years
Systemwide enrollment grows for third straight year and continues to outpace national community college growth rates Enrollment at Illinois community colleges continues to climb for the third straight year according to the Fall 2024 Illinois Community College Opening...
Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget Continues Important Investments in Higher Education
Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the fiscal year 2025 state budget that includes a historic general funds appropriation of $2.6 billion for higher education, an increase of nearly $76 million (3 percent) compared to the previous fiscal year. Meaningful investments...
Illinois Community Colleges Receive Federal Grant To Expand Access to Workforce Training for In-Demand Industries
Rockford's Rock Valley Community College has received a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to increase access to training and skill development in high-demand manufacturing fields. They will collaborate with Crystal Lake's McHenry County College and...