Residents Invited To Help Shape Future Of Adult Education

PALOS HILLS, IL -- Moraine Valley Community College is the chosen venue for a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 12, where community members can provide feedback on the future of adult education in Illinois. The Illinois Community College Board will present the draft Illinois Adult Education Strategic Plan. The meeting will be held in Building M on MVCC’s Palos Hills campus at 9000 W. College Parkway.

The plan is being developed under Illinois Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 40, which created a Taskforce on the Future of Adult Education and Literacy, charged with developing a five-year strategic plan. Individuals, groups, and/or organizations are encouraged to attend the informational meeting.

There is no cost to attend, but online registration is required. Those wishing to attend may register by visiting the ICCB’s website and clicking on the registration link. The informational meetings will discuss the process, vision, guiding principles, goals and objectives as well as next steps.

The draft plan is available for viewing on ICCB’s website. Individuals, groups and/or organizations are also encouraged to submit written comments directly to the ICCB on the specifics of the plan. Comments will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 12. Comments may be sent to nora.l.rossman@illinois.gov.

“Community input from past and present adult education students, educators and community leaders is essential to the development of an Illinois Adult Education Strategic Plan that challenges conventional thinking and long held beliefs,” said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the ICCB and chair of the task force. “The Strategic Plan must demonstrate an understanding and respect for adult education programs and students and provide a roadmap that leads to better educational and employment opportunities.”

The Task Force will submit its strategic plan to the Governor and General Assembly by Jan. 31. Those wanting more information may contact Jennifer Foster, Deputy Director for Adult Education and Workforce, at (217) 785-0171 or Jennifer.Foster@illinois.gov.

The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating board for community colleges. Illinois is home to 48 community colleges in 39 districts and has the third largest community college system in the nation serving nearly 850,000 residents each year in credit and non-credit courses.