Olney Central College
Over the past academic year, the IECC TRIO Upward Bound program has proudly served over 200 students from twelve high schools across the district. This federally funded program has equipped students with the tools necessary to thrive throughout high school as they embark on their college journey. Throughout the year, Upward Bound provided a comprehensive support system. After-school sessions offered academic support and guidance, including tutoring
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a program that serves. Whether that be with academic advising, supplies to start the semester with, a snack between classes, free tutoring, transfer assistance, scholarship/ FAFSA assistance, or lending a hand chang- ing a tire, TRIO shows up.
National TRIO Day was a joint celebration with Upward Bound this year. We focused on topics including resilience, healthy habits, communication, and self-management. Having a hot breakfast and lunch provided by Teresa and her crew at The Knight Café definitely didn’t hurt anything. Our students have visited a variety of colleges throughout the year. In the Fall, students took a cultural trip to St. Louis to watch a live symphony performance by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. They mesmerized the audience with their performance of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Students visited Springfield and the Illinois State Capitol in the spring where they met with legislators. They also saw a presentation of On Your Feet! at the University of Illinois-Springfield. As you can see, SSS is always up to something. Serving underrep- resented students is our thing. It’s what we do, and we do it well. If you have financial need (receive Pell), are a first-generation student, and/or have a disability (IEP/504) come and see us! TRIO Student Support Services at IECC is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education at $361,922 for program year 23/24. Wain Davis, Director of TRiO Student Support Services
and workshops to hone academic skills. Participants received person- alized advice from academic counselors, helping them explore their college and career options and chart their educational paths. Upward Bound recognized the importance of social and emotional well-being, offering support services to navigate challenges and build confidence. Financial literacy workshops equipped students with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively in college. Coordinators assisted with FAFSA, college admissions, scholarships, housing, and each aspect of the college admissions process. In April, 50 students took an overnight educational/cultural trip to the STL metro-east area and visited McKendree University. This summer, Upward Bound will continue its intensive support with a six-week academic program at OCC. The summer compo- nent will simulate a college experience while immersing students in a stimulating academic environment. In July, students are taking an educational/cultural two-night trip to Chicago, IL. By the end of the summer, Upward Bound students will not only be academically prepared but also holistically empowered to confidently take the next step towards their college dreams. Tiffany Cowger, Program Director, TRIO Upward Bound
The Adult Education and Literacy Department at IECC prepares students to complete the Illinois High School Diploma requirements, provides English as a Second Language courses, and provides free volun- teer tutoring services to low-level and limited English-proficient adult learners. Adult Education and Literacy provides Career Bridge courses that help students develop basic skills and introduces adult learners to different career options so they can be successful in a chosen career. Furthermore,
This fall, IECC welcomed 83 international students from 27 countries to our campuses. Trips to Holiday World, Chicago, U of I, St. Louis, and Florida were highlights of the year. On campus, students engaged in athletics, trunk-or-treat, our district wide International Thanksgiving meal, and other fun activities sponsored by the campus Student Senates and other groups. International students visited local schools to share their culture, customs, and language, and attended local parades and festivals. We
Adult Education at IECC has implemented an Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) with the Welding program where a student can enroll in a Welding certificate and pursue their HS Diploma at the same time. Several more ICAPS programs are being developed across multiple academic areas for the upcoming years. Adult Education and Literacy offers courses and tutoring across all four IECC colleges as well as locations in Albion, Flora, Lawrenceville, Newton, and Grayville as well as on-line. For Fiscal Year 2024, we have served over 220 learners in the area and hosted Career Employment Workshops at each of the IECC colleges serving an additional 70 area residents. AE hosted two Area Planning Council meetings where part- nerships were enhanced with Local Workforce Investment Board 23, Southern 14 Workforce Investment Board, Illinois Department of Employment Security, WADI and CEFS to ensure students have access to local services to foster success.
appreciate the community’s involvement in hosting our students for activities and meals. IECC’s International Program fosters cultural exchange, promoting understanding and cultural sensitivity. This year, a summer study abroad program in Costa Rica and Spain expands opportunities for IECC students to participate in global learning. IECC’s Mental Health Specialist, Holly O’Brien, ACSW, LCSW, started in November and has been working on ways to support the mental health needs of IECC students. First, a comprehensive mental health resource directory was created, and updates were made to the IECC website to highlight these resources. IECC implemented the first health and wellness survey in February to assess the well-being of the student population. The data from this survey will be used to help guide wellness initiatives across campuses. Mental Health awareness campaigns have been created to bring awareness to mental health issues. Fourteen local partnerships with community mental health agencies have been created thus far. Cassandra Goldman, Dean of Students & Program Director of the International Student Program
Rodney Ranes, Program Director, Adult Education
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