Contents
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Executive Summary
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Plan Overview
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Key Components of the Plan
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External Environment. . . .
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State Outlook . . . . .
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Bridge Programs . . . . .
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Regional Outlook. . . . .
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Internal Environment
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Credit and Non-Credit Programs. . . . .
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Career Education. . . . .
28
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Community Programs. . . .
31
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MCC Enrollment. . . .
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Initiatives for Completion and Student Success. . . .
38
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Internal Research for Completion and Student Success. . . .
44
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The Future of MCC
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48
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Increased Access. . . . .
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Excellence in Teaching and Learning. . . . .
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Student Success. . . .
54
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Executive Summary
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This document is designed to maximize impact of future investments under the leadership of McHenry County College’s new Board of Trustees and President. The Educational Master Plan for the College presents national, state and regional data, and enrollment and occupational trends which demonstrate the necessity for specific initiatives and improvements to the 44-year old College. Key strategies, woven with a continued and enthusiastic mission of success for every student, include the following:
• �Increased Access for district and regional residents to take advantage of high quality educational opportunities at MCC, including program growth in healthcare, public safety, emerging technologies and manufacturing.
• �Excellence in Teaching and Learning, through a focus on classroom instruction, student success and college-wide partnerships to produce well-equipped graduates and thoughtful citizens. • �Student Success in every pursuit for students, and meaningful opportunities for all who come to
McHenry County College. The greatest asset of MCC is also its primary aspiration: the ability meet students “where they are,” and transform their opportunities, their options and their outlook. The foundations of our regional workforce are shifting, and only a change-ready and personalized institution like McHenry County College has the capacity to grow when needed and innovate each term. The Educational Master Plan illustrates how McHenry County College will serve increased numbers of students, the county and regional economy through quality, accessible and affordable
postsecondary education. The institution and its leadership are passionate about education. What matters most is the journey each student takes after walking through the doors at MCC, and this plan lays out a meaningful way to improve the lives in and around the county through investment and growth.
Plan Overview
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To ensure that educational programming meets the needs of a growing community and its diverse
workforce demands, and based on the vision that “McHenry County College will be the leading community college in Illinois by focusing on excellence and student success,” the following Educational Master Plan (“Master Plan” or “plan”) is founded upon the College’s mission:
We put the interests of our students and community first.
By providing high quality, affordable and accessible learning
opportunities, we enable students to meet their educational, career
and personal goals. By sharing our knowledge and our resources,
we support our community’s educational, social, cultural and
economic vitality.�
In order to accomplish this mandate, the limited resources of the institution must be directed effectively and thoughtfully. Also, a solid response to the assertion that McHenry County College aspires to be the “leading community college in Illinois” necessitates a well-defined strategy that is change-ready, and has the support of community stakeholders and partners. This plan attempts to fulfill those requirements clearly and pragmatically. The plan will assist MCC leadership as institutional decisions are made in finances, technology implementation and growth. It is by no means a static document of concrete program and student engagement plans. Instead, the aim of the Educational Master Plan is to structure the academic environment to best meet the needs of a dynamic community in concert with McHenry County College’s core principles of quality, accessibility, affordability, innovation and accountability.
Quality: To.achieve.excellence.in.teaching,.learning.and.the.services.we.provide.by:.promoting. student.success.through.outstanding.teaching.and.support.services;.attracting.and.retaining.high.quality. employees;.promoting.a.culture.of.personal.and.professional.development.among.employees;.and. providing.up-to-date.facilities.and.equipment.that.meet.student.learning.needs,.support.program.growth. and.promote.employee.effectiveness . Accessibility: To.provide.learning.opportunities.and.support.services.that.meet.the.needs.of.our. diverse.population.by:.providing.opportunities.to.allow.students,.employees.and.the.community.to.engage. at.MCC.inside.and.outside.of.the.classroom;.meeting.student.demand.for.coursework.through.diverse. delivery.modes;.and.providing.smooth.transitions.from.one.learning.stage.to.another . AffordAbility: To.offer.opportunities.to.those.of.all.economic.levels.to.pursue.their.educational.goals. and.personal.enrichment.by:.offsetting.the.financial.burden.on.our.students.by.using.current.resources. efficiently.and.pursuing.alternate.sources.of.revenue;.increasing.financial.aid.resources.available.to.students;. and.strengthening.the.College’s.financial.stability . innovAtion: To.collaborate.with.stakeholders.to.anticipate.their.needs.and.pioneer.creative.and.effective. solutions.by:.valuing,.inspiring.and.cultivating.people,.partnerships,.and.processes.to.embrace.dynamic. growth;.and.creating,.reinventing,.and.promoting.opportunities.to.encourage.a.lifetime.of.learning . AccountAbility: To.promote.a.service-oriented.and.ethical.culture.of.fiscal,.social,.professional.and. individual.responsibility.by:.increasing.transparency.in.institutional.policies,.procedures.and.processes;. improving.internal.controls;.promoting.and.modeling.sustainability.and.environmental.stewardship;.and. creating.measurable.targets.and.evaluation.processes.for.key.strategies.and.objectives .
In Fall 2010, the MCC president incorporated these principles in the following seven objectives on which to focus MCC operations in the next five years:
• Ensure facilities meet educational needs
• Ensure educational programming is meeting the needs of the community
• Ensure appropriate technology is implemented to meet College and student needs • Ensure quality education occurs
• Increase the percentage of students who complete a certificate or degree
• Establish an organizational structure that meets the future direction of the College • Attract, retain and develop good employees
The Educational Master Plan was completed with input from college administrators, faculty and staff, 2009 and 2011 community surveys, and data from state, county and national sources. Additionally, MCC Core Principles, Academic Plan, presidential goals and the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Systems Appraisals Report were integrated. This plan is also being developed concurrent with the MCC rebranding effort for 2011-2012. A new College president, a new Board of Trustees and an academic reorganization necessitated a fresh look at the educational environment at MCC beyond 2011, and this framework will set the stage for combining planning with technology advancements, facility plans, budget development and funding allocations.
The Master Plan process incorporated the following sources and evaluative work:
• Research in trends in postsecondary education, historic student enrollment, strategic plans and current regional economic demands
• Assessment of the internal environment, including the current population served by MCC
• Examination of the relationship of MCC to the local service area, regional and statewide stakeholders • A survey of faculty, staff and administrators regarding the aspiration to become “the leading
community college in Illinois”� • Public surveys and community input
• Analysis of courses, programs and services to support the educational mission of MCC • Proposal of future capacities in the next five years
Attentive planning for the future of McHenry County College takes into consideration specific issues facing the community, such as employment outlook for the College’s service area and surrounding region. A system will be created that allows College leadership and trustees the ability to measure the success and document the needs of the plans as they move towards implementation. Support from faculty and administrators, staff and educational partners will be an important piece of the design, and all outreach to members of the community and local policy makers will be transparent and responsive. This process will place necessary emphasis on technology to allow the College to provide the most current resources for students—MCC’s most important stakeholders—so they may achieve their goals. Once the future facility and technology needs have been determined, the focus will shift to evaluating various options to finance the additional facilities deemed necessary.
Key Components of the Plan
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The aspiration to become the “leading community college in Illinois” requires a dedicated commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. The plan is divided into three sections that reflect an examination of the changing environment where community colleges like MCC are best suited to provide postsecondary education. They are:
• �The External Environment, including trends in education and industry alongside a regional economic outlook. Factors are identified that have significant impact on the College, incorporating data from the 2010 census, and national, state and regional initiatives.�
• �The Internal Environment of MCC, identifying students who attend the College and their achievements in academic programs (credit and non-credit) as well as educational delivery methods. In addition, activities external to the classroom are presented, including student services and academic support.
• �The Future of MCC. Objectives and aspirations for program, facility and service growth are presented, to fully realize the potential of McHenry County College.
External Environment
national outlook
McHenry County College is the only comprehensive postsecondary educational institution in the county. Traditional associate and transfer degree programs, alongside emergent and incumbent job training, career development, vocational education and professional certificates reflect the fact that educational attainment has never had greater impact on individual opportunity in this country. In the past 35 years, employment opportunities requiring college coursework have increased significantly, while jobs available to people with only a high school education have diminished.1 As a result, course and program completion leading to a degree, certificate, career opportunity or professional and personal development is a critical objective for all county residents.
Per cen tage of W or kers b y educa tional lev el 100% Master’s Degree or better 80% 7% 11% 9% 12% 10% 21% 40% 17% 30% 32% 11% Bachelor’s Degree Associate’s Degree 60% Some College, No Degree High School graduate 40% High School dropouts 20% 0% 1973 2007 Number of people: 91 million 154 million
In March 2009, President Obama proposed the American Graduation Initiative, which set forth the goal, “by 2020, this nation will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.”2 To illustrate this critical objective, in 2011, Department of Education Under Secretary Martha Kanter testified before Congress while defending Pell Grants: “Students pursuing postsecondary education today face a different national landscape than the one they would have seen just a few decades ago. College, or other postsecondary training, has never been more important to finding meaningful and substantial employment. Over the past decade, individuals with only a high school diploma have been twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals with college degrees. In the current economy, individuals who may be having trouble finding a job, or see their income stagnating, may be returning to school for new or additional training. The demand for more education is a welcome development, but it has resulted in exceptional challenges to postsecondary education in general.”3
The New York Times reported on June 26, 2011 that people with college degrees have higher salaries even when their jobs don’t require higher education. Business columnist David Leonhardt and the Center on Education and the Work Force at Georgetown University reported that college graduates who work as dishwashers, childcare workers, hairdressers and cashiers have 60-80% higher median salaries than those with only a high school diploma, among many other fields.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides additional emphasis on postsecondary education in its recent projections of employment changes by educational attainment. According to projections, occupations requiring associate degrees are expected to grow fastest, by about 19%, while vocational postsecondary training occupations are expected to grow at a healthy 13%.4
Associate’s degree Master’s degree First professional degree Bachelor’s degree Doctoral degree Postsecondary vocational award Bachelor’s or higher degree, plus work experience Moderateterm onthejob training Work experience in a related occupation Shortterm onthejob training Longterm onthejob training 19% 18% 18% 17% 17% 13% 8% 8% 8% 8% 8% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Percent growth
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Dialogue of Occupational Outlook
2 Remarks by the President, Warren, MI July, 2009, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office. 3 http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches�
Percent change in employment by education or training category,
2008–18 (projected)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also publishes occupational and industry growth projections for the United States. Data have been released for 2008-2018, and ten of the fastest growing occupations nationwide are listed following, accompanied by the current educational capacity of MCC to provide training in these fields:
High-Growth occupations requiring some Postsecondary education
Occupations Percent change
Number of new jobs (in thousands)
Wages (May 2008
median) Education/ training category McHenry County College Educational Enterprise
Short-term Basic Nurse Assistant
Home health aides 50 460.9 20,460 on-the-job
training (BNA) certificate with extensive clinical work
Personal and
home care aides 46 375.8 19,180
Short-term on-the-job training
Basic Nurse Assistant (BNA) certificate with extensive clinical work
Respiratory
Therapists 21 105.9 52,200 Associate’s Degree
Feasibility study complete, space limitations exist for program development AAS in Health & Fitness
Athletic trainers 37 6.0 39,640 Bachelor’s degree Education, Fitness Instructor Training Certificate Physical therapist aides 36 16.7 23,760 Short-term on-the-job training
Not under consideration at this time due to space limitations
Dental hygienists 36 62.9 66,570 Associate’s degree
Not under consideration at this time Veterinary technologists and technicians 36 28.5 28,900 Associate’s degree
Feasibility study complete, space limitations
paramount
Dental assistants 36 105.6 32,380 Moderate-term on-the-job training
Not under consideration at this time
Medical assistants 34 163.9 28,300 Moderate-term on-the-job training
Medical Administration Certificate, billing & coding courses complete & awaiting ICCB approval
Physical therapist
assistants 33 21.2 46,140 Associate’s degree
Under initial consideration. Space limitations paramount
According to BLS, “Of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the economy (table 1, above), half are related to healthcare. Healthcare is experiencing rapid growth, due in large part to the aging of the baby-boom generation, which will require more medical care. In addition, some healthcare occupations will be in greater demand for other reasons. As healthcare costs continue to rise, work is increasingly being delegated to lower paid workers in order to cut costs. For example, tasks that were previously performed by doctors, nurses, dentists or other healthcare professionals
increasingly are being performed by physician assistants, medical assistants, dental hygienists and physical therapist aides. In addition, patients increasingly are seeking home care as an alternative to costly stays in hospitals or residential care facilities, causing a significant increase in demand for home health aides. Although not classified as healthcare workers, personal and home care aides are being affected by this demand for home care as well.”5 Nationwide, registered nurses (RNs) are the largest occupational component in the healthcare profession, with 2.6 million jobs in 2010-2011. Approximately 60% of RN jobs are in hospitals, and the three most common educational pathways to RN are the bachelor’s degree, an associate ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) degree from community college, or a diploma from a nursing program. Many nurses with an ADN or diploma can later enter bachelor’s programs for greater opportunities in their field.6 As the only comprehensive postsecondary
educational institution in the county, MCC prepares traditional students to attend university with the academic rigor and ICCB (Illinois Community College Board) articulated coursework they need to transfer for undergraduate degree programs.
Classes and degrees offered at McHenry County College provide access to residents as they pursue the first two years of a quality education at affordable rates. Courses establish a postsecondary foundation that is meaningful and personalized, and community college degrees lead to further study in rapidly growing occupations requiring four-year and graduate degrees also projected by BLS, as follows:
5 Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm. 6 Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm.
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4-year and Graduate degree category occupations with fastest Growth 2008-2018,
u.s. department of labor, bureau of labor statistics
Occupations Percent change
Number of new jobs (in thousands) Wages (May 2008 median) Education/ training category MCC Educational Enterprise articulated transfer Degrees and Courses
Biomedical engineers 72 11.6 $77,400 Bachelor’s degree Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering
Network systems and data communications
analysts 53 155.8 71,100
Bachelor’s
degree AAS Computer Information Systems and Network Security
Financial examiners 41 11.1 70,930 Bachelor’s degree AAS Accounting and Business Mgmt
Medical scientists,
except epidemiologists 40 44.2 72,590 Doctoral degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities
Physician assistants 39 29.2 81,230 Master’s degree
Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities
Biochemists and
biophysicists 37 8.7 82,840 Doctoral degree Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities
Athletic trainers 37 6.0 39,640 Bachelor’s degree AAS Health & Fitness Education, Training Certificate
Computer software
engineers, applications 34 175.1 85,430 Bachelor’s degree
AAS Computer Information Systems and Network Security
Veterinarians 33 19.7 79,050 First professional degree
Biological and physical sciences, communication and humanities
Self-enrichment education teachers 32 81.3 35,720 Work experience in a related occupation
AA, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health & Fitness Education courses in wellness & coaching
Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health
and safety, and 31 80.8 48,890
Long-term on-the-job training
Ethics, AAS Business Management, Legal Administration Certificate
transportation Industrial Engineering,
Finally, a 2008 article demonstrating the career potential of a community college degree noted College Board projections of further occupational growth in additional community college degree fields, including:
• Preschool teachers (exclusive of special education): 33% increase in demand
- MCC offers AAS in Early Childhood Education, plus 12-hour and 24-hour ECE certificates; Illinois Director Credential Program;
• Legal assistants and paralegals: 30% increase in demand - MCC offers Legal Administration Certificate
(no paralegal) and AAS in Administrative Office Management;�
• Automotive technicians and mechanics: 16% increase in demand
- MCC offers AAS Automotive Technology and Management, plus two Technician certificates;� • Medical secretaries: 17% increase in demand7
- MCC offers Medical Administration Certificate. Billing & Coding Coursework completed and awaiting ICCB approval.�
State Outlook
In April 2011, the Illinois State Legislature passed SB-1773, in which the “Board of Higher Education budget recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly shall include allocations to public institutions of higher education based upon performance metrics designed to promote and measure student success in degree and certificate completion.”8 U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released a statement shortly after passage, praising the Illinois legislature: “While states all across America are wrestling with difficult and complex educational issues from teacher evaluation and staffing to compensation and tenure, Illinois has steadily and effectively built consensus for real and meaningful change among all of the key stakeholders, and set a national example of constructive collaboration for other states to follow.”9 Added assessment and scrutiny requires College administration, Trustees, faculty and employees to advance the educational mission further for all students, as they strive to achieve their goals.
Overall, the environment for postsecondary education and training will challenge an institution like McHenry County College to distinguish itself as a leading educational provider in a rapidly changing environment. For example, the affordability of community college increases its attractiveness in a competitive economy where households are stretching each dollar earned. Universities have increased tuition in the past decade, and economic choices in postsecondary education are becoming more polarized. John Hrabe of USC’s Annenberg School of Communication reported in the Huffington Post that “this fall, Harvard will charge students $36,992 for semester tuition, compared to a bill 34 times less at most community colleges. Don’t let the higher sticker price fool you. Community colleges offer teaching instruction comparable to their four-year counterparts but won’t saddle graduates with long term debt in the process.”10
8 SB1773, Illinois General Assembly, http://ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext/.
9 Statement of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on Chicago’s New Education Team and Proposed Reforms in
Illinois, April 18, 2011.
10 Hrabe, John, “Harvard University or Community College? Why the Choice Isn’t As Crazy As It Sounds,” Huffington Post,
On average, according to the College Board calculator, public four-year colleges charge $7,605 per year in tuition and fees for in-state students. The average surcharge for full-time, out-of-state students at these institutions is $11,990. Private nonprofit four-year colleges charge, on average, $27,293 per year in tuition and fees. Public two-year colleges charge, on average, $2,713 per year in tuition and fees.11 With economic impacts felt across the nation, more students and members of the workforce may pursue their educational goals first through a public two-year college like McHenry County College. Community
colleges are more agile and change-ready for local economic forces, and able to meet the needs of local residents with a tailored curriculum. MCC is the largest provider of workforce training and baccalaureate transfer coursework in the county, and it has the ability to meet the evolving needs of business, industry and healthcare. As the employment outlook changes in the next five years, McHenry County College plans to increase quality, accessibility, affordability, innovation and accountability for all of its stakeholders, becoming the leading community college in Illinois.
MCC is responsive to state and national guidelines given to educational institutions. The Illinois state government established the Illinois P-20 Council12 to streamline education policy and integrate education at every level. The P-20 Council was designed to provide a structure for institutions and individuals representing pre-kindergarten through grade 20 to participate in discussions, align data and assessment benchmarks, and make recommendations for developing a strong statewide educational system. P-20 meets regularly in public venues to hear presentations and generate policy which will maximize students’ educational attainment, opportunities for success in the workforce, and contributions to their local communities. Today, about 41 percent of the state’s nearly 7 million working-age adults (25-64 years old) hold at least a two-year degree. To align with national goals and the American Graduation Initiative, the
P-20 Council has set a goal by which to indicate progress: their leadership intends to drive programs to increase the proportion of state residents with postsecondary degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025. Reaching this goal will require coordination of efforts in the education system, from local communities to the state capitol. The Educational Master Plan for MCC incorporates new resources for academic and career services, and student engagement plans for greater student success.
11 “What It Costs to Go to College”, 2011 College Board calculator, retrieved 6/11, http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/
add-it-up/4494.html.
Bridge Programs
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) have worked collaboratively to establish bridge programs that prepare adults with limited academic or limited English skills to enter and succeed in credit-bearing postsecondary education and training leading to career-path employment in high-demand, middle- and high skilled occupations. The Joyce Foundation, through its Shifting Gears initiative, has provided funding through ICCB to implement a series of policy and program changes in order to institutionalize the bridge program model throughout the state.13 MCC has taken a strategic approach to transitioning adult education students into credential programs and/or the workforce. This population typically has barriers to college enrollment, let alone completion. However, through transition activities and contextualized learning opportunities in math and English, MCC is helping these adult learners gain basic skills, in conjunction with technical training. An example of contextualized learning is an ESL course paired with a Certified Nurse Assistant course, enabling language fluency development alongside career certification in a growing field.
McHenry County College has received repeated accolades for its bridge programs, and currently is the leading Illinois community college in context-based adult education. In June, 2011, the Adult Education Department received $20,000 in funding through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for the ABE (Adult Basic Education) to Credentials program. Through the funding, Adult Education will partner with the English and Math departments, as well as departments within the Education, Career, and Technical Education (ECTE) division, to plan classes designed to help transition adult education students into manufacturing, automotive technology, and administrative office skills classes. ICCB awarded the funding to only eight colleges in Illinois from a grant of the Gates Foundation and MCC was one of the eight. The funding will help MCC build on programming started through Shifting Gears and the F.A.S.T grants administered by Continuing and Professional Education. The Education, Career and Technical Education division will participate in the curriculum design as well. Additional bridge programs include:
• �LPN-RN Bridge: This course is designated to assist a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) transition into the role of the Registered Nurse (RN). Areas of study include health perception and health management, including values and beliefs; sleep, activity and exercise; and nutritional and metabolic issues. Upon successful completion of all components of the course, the student will be admitted to NUR 120 and will have earned, by advanced standing, nine credit hours in MCC’s ADN program. • �ESL-CNA Bridge: There is a need in McHenry County for bilingual Certified Nurse Assistants, but
low success rates historically occur with ESL learners in CNA. Therefore, MCC developed a CNA Bridge to prepare ESL students for success in CNA classes. Two cohorts were offered, one in Fall 2010 and one in Spring 2011. In the fall, 92.5% (37 out of 40 students) successfully completed the CNA certificate and passed the state exams. In spring, 100% of students completed and passed the state certification exams.
• �ESL-Automotive Bridge: Beginning in Fall 2012, this bridge program will transition adult education students to an automotive credit program.
• �The College Experience (MCC 101) Cohort: This cohort has been specifically designed for adult education students who require specific focus and tools for college success. Regularly offered as a freshman program for traditional students, the cohort program introduces returning adults and members of the incumbent and traditional workforce to a postsecondary environment, tailored to individual experience and opportunity.
Boone McHenr y Lake Kane DuP age
Regional Outlook
The neighboring counties of Kane, DuPage and Lake Counties, to the east and south of McHenry County, hold significant population centers offering employment opportunity and regional growth for McHenry County residents in the next decade. In fact, DuPage County is the 46th largest county in the United States, with over 932,000 residents, and Lake County is the 85th largest14, with over 710,000 residents, according to 2009 Census data estimates. The surrounding counties have solid numbers of high school graduates and growing numbers with 4-year degrees. To this end, McHenry County College’s educational objectives must consider both a community and regional perspective.
regional educational Attainment
0% Per cen t of r esiden ts 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% % of residents ages 25+
with High School Diploma % of residents ages 25+ with Bachelor ’s Degree
81% 13% 28% 39% 28% 41% 89% 87% 80% 90% Counties
14 Resident Population Estimates for the 100 Largest U.S. Counties Based on July 1, 2009 Population Estimates,
educational Attainment in McHenry county, 2005 and 2009
5% 0% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 2009 2005 8.4% 8.9% 28.6% 28.2% 30.4% 32.8% 30.0% 32.6%Less than High School Some College Bachelor’s High School or GED or Associate’s or Higher
Educational attainment data in McHenry County demonstrate that more individuals are completing bachelor’s degrees or higher in the area, and the county is above the statewide average of 41% of the population holding a two-year degree or greater.
McHenry County, with over 320,000 residents, sits at the Wisconsin border to the north and Boone County (54,000 residents) to the west, with surrounding counties including Kane, with over 510,000 residents, plus Lake and DuPage counties. Additionally, given the region’s access to Chicago via the northwest Metra train line, credit must be given to Chicago employment needs which regularly affect job and career opportunities. This bolsters consideration for growth and expansion under the Educational Master Plan. The largest employers in McHenry County are Centegra Health System, McHenry County government, Follett Library Resources and Software, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Mercy Health System, Brown Printing, Snap-On Tools, Sage Products, McHenry County College, Knaack Manufacturing, InTren, Aptar Group and Wells Manufacturing.
In neighboring DuPage County, major employers include: BP America, Argonne National Lab, United Parcel Service, Northern Illinois Gas, Fermi Lab, Edward Hospital, Navistar International, Central DuPage Hospital, Tellabs, McDonald’s Corporation, DuPage County, and the College of DuPage.
Employers with more than 500 employees in Kane County include the following: Universities Res Associates, Bank One, Hollywood Casino, Grand Victoria Casino, Delnor Community Hospital, IL Department of Human Services, Dryer Cancer Center, Provena Hospital, Dukane Corp., SKF USA, Dreyer Clinic, US Can Corp., Metal Technologies Solution, System Sensor, Suncast Corporation, the Federal Aviation Administration, Provena Health, Kane County Government, Delnor Community Health Systems, Elgin Community College and Waubonsee Community College.15
The top 25 employers with 1,000 or more employees in Lake County include the U.S. Navy-Great Lakes Station, Abbott Laboratories, Aon/Hewitt, Baxter International, WW Grainger, Discover Financial Services, Motorola, Vista Hospitals, LaCosta Facility Support Services, CDW Corp, Walgreen Corp., HSBC Finance Corp., Medline Industries, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Hospira, Inc., Rexam CP, Veterans Health Administration, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Acco USA, Indalex, Trustmark Insurance Co., College of Lake County, Siemens Electrical, Waukegan Community School District, Eastek Holdings, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Kinetek, Inc.16
A regional perspective on future employment and career opportunity also examines the Wisconsin county north of MCC, Walworth County. Employers there draw many Illinois residents northward, including the following major entities: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Grand Geneva LLC, County of Walworth, Wal-Mart, Sta-Rite Industries, Aurora Healthcare, Miniature Precision Components, the Elkhorn and Delavan-Darien Area School Districts, SPX, Agrilink Foods and Alpine Valley Resort.
15 Sources: County Economic Development Corporations of Kane, McHenry, DuPage, retrieved 6/11. 16 Lake County Partners, 501c3, Libertyville, IL, lakecountypartners.com/content/statistics, retrieved 6/11.
Regional projections by the Illinois Department of Employment Security demonstrate strong occupational growth across a wide range of business, education and health science sectors. Across the five counties listed above are hundreds of employment openings projected each year in fields trained and certified by community college degrees or certificate programs:
Occupation
(MCC Educational Enterprise: Courses, Programs and Certificates Offered) Regional annual Job Openings 2006-2016
Registered Nurses (ADN Nursing) Sales Representatives
Bookkeeping/Accounting Clerks (Certificate 2010) Business Operations Specialists (AOM Certificate) Executive Secretaries/Admin. Assistants (AOM Cert.)
More than 500 openings annually
Computer Systems Analysts (Certificates, AAS) Management Analysts (Certificates, AAS))
Computer Software Engineers (Programming Certificate) Retail Sales Workers
Child Care Workers (Entry & Director level Certificates, AAS Childcare) Restaurant Cooks (Certificates, AAS)
General and Operations Managers (AAS, Fast Track) Legal, Medical Secretaries (AOM Certificate)
Nursing Aides, Orderlies, Attendants (BNA Certificate) Automotive Technicians & Mechanics (AAS and Certificate) Police & Sheriff’s Patrol Officers (Criminal Justice AAS)
More than 250 openings annually
Licensed Practical Nurses (ADN – RN only)
Electricians (Codes courses for national exam prep)
Employment/Recruitment Specialists (Organizational Leadership Certificate) Computer Specialists, General (Certificate)
Dental Assistants
Network Administrators (Certificate)
Firefighters (Certificates 1 & 2, AAS Fire Science) Pharmacy Technicians
Preschool Teachers (Certificate) Medical Assistants (Certificate)
Bill and Account Collectors (Fall 2011, Certificate Spring2012) Home Health Aides (BNA)
Fitness Trainers/Aerobics Instructors (AAS)
More than 150 openings annually
Sales Managers Insurance Agents
Personal and Home Health Care Aides (BNA Certificate) Machinists
EMTs & Paramedics (Certificate)
Preschool Special Ed Teachers (Preschool Ed Certificate) Hairdressers/Stylists/Cosmetologists (Third Party Contract Ed) Data Entry Keyers (AOM)
Library Technicians Dental Hygienists Loan Officers
Graphic Designers (Starting Fall 2011) Bus/Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists
Medical Records & Health Info Technicians17 (Cont. Ed., Course Approval Pending)
More than 80 openings annually
Additionally, the Illinois Career Resource Network has identified emerging occupations for 2010-2011, and these will affect and influence future program considerations at McHenry County College. Projected areas of employment include:
• Architecture and Construction: Energy Auditors
• Business Management and Administration: Supply Chain Managers
• Government and Public Administration: Regulatory Affairs Managers and Specialists • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics:
Electronics Engineering Technologists; Energy Engineers; Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists; Manufacturing Engineering Technologists; Manufacturing Engineers;
Manufacturing Production Technicians; Photonics Engineers; Precision Agriculture Technicians; Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists; Robotics Engineers; Validation Engineers.
Other emerging occupations include:
• Environmental Engineering Technicians • Marine Biologists
• Recycling and Reclamation Workers • Renewable Energy Engineers • Solar Panel Installers
• Wind Turbine Technician18
Internal Environment
This section of the Educational Master Plan focuses on MCC student profiles, enrollment trends and demands for space and student services, as well as graduation and completion rates. Academic and career-focused programs are presented, in addition to student support services offered at the College. Finally, qualitative input and research on best practices for a high quality, accessible, postsecondary education is drawn from college administrators, faculty, staff and public surveys.
McHenry County College offers diverse program options for a quality education, including seven associate degree programs which provide the first two years of a baccalaureate college curriculum, twenty Associate of Applied Science degrees aimed at career preparation, and 49 certificate programs. Additionally, MCC enters yearly joint agreements and chargebacks for occupational programs in pursuit of degrees or certificates with consortium and non-consortium colleges in Illinois.
students served by Mcc, fy05 to fy10
CurriculumFiscal year Five year
Growth
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Credit 8,626 8,698 8,578 8,403 8,456 9,718 11.8%
Noncredit 5,633 5,327 5,463 6,033 4,315 3,103 -39.5%
Adult Education 2,454 2,424 2,214 2,114 2,018 1,694 -29.7%
Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB.
The growth and demand for courses and programming has increased significantly over the past five years, even as the population growth rate for McHenry County has stabilized. The primary growth has occurred in credit courses, while a struggling national economy has reduced the available investment dollars for corporate training in non-credit courses, which has led to a downward turn in these programs (as seen in the table above, and the graph below). Additionally, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) enrollment has decreased at MCC over the past five years, leading to lower numbers in Adult Education. This is primarily due to a lack of new ESL residents in the district, and a saturation point in educational requirements being reached for existing residents.
Mcc student Headcount, fy05 to fy10
12000 10000 Credit 8000 Adult Education Noncredit 6000 4000 2000 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Annual Growth rate in Mcc credit students, fy05 to fy10
16% 14% 12% 10% Credit 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 2% 4%
As seen in the map and graph below, credit and non-credit students attend MCC from all over District 528, traveling an average of 12.3 miles to school. Residents attending the College also represent varying levels of their community populations, and several communities’ representations are statistically significant. For example, nearly 13% of Wonder Lake’s population enrolled in credit and/or non-credit coursework at MCC in 2009. Union, Ringwood and Woodstock also send proportionally higher numbers of their populations as students to MCC (stars). Based on the locations of these towns in relation to MCC (rectangle), the College campus remains central to the student population. MCC serves students from towns with both high and low median household incomes in both credit and non-credit courses, but the county median household income is $77,314, significantly higher than that of Illinois or the United States ($55,222 and $51,425, respectively).19
2005–6 2006–7 2007–8 2008 2009–10
Home towns of Mcc students, fy 2009
town Enrollment Fy 2009 town Population 2009 Population % of Distance from MCC (avg= 12. 3m.) Median Household income Wonder Lake 499 3,867 12.9% 10.63 $74,297 Union 67 620 10.8% 11.38 $56,249 Ringwood 52 544 9.6% 11.88 $86,786 Woodstock 2,125 24,333 8.7% 5.96 $56,491 Harvard 840 9,965 8.4% 18.77 $45,369 McHenry 2,174 27,165 8.0% 9.85 $69,098 Crystal Lake 3,271 42,180 7.8% 3.33 $73,370 Richmond 179 2,317 7.7% 11.88 $65,290 Marengo 537 7,614 7.1% 14.18 $62,210 Hebron 96 1,426 6.7% 16.75 $48,966 Cary 1,053 19,651 5.4% 8.44 $94,602 Spring Grove 265 5,807 4.6% 18.22 $98,288 Johnsburg 225 6,806 3.3% 13.62 $86,360Fox River Grove 132 5,202 2.5% 9.83 $92,850
Lake in the Hills 697 29,704 2.3% 6.67 $80,460
Huntley 542 23,177 2.3% 9.36 $68,082 Oakwood Hills 31 2,395 1.3% 7.45 $81,250 Island Lake 107 8,617 1.2% 10.77 $72,021 Algonquin 103 30,347 0.3% 8.27 $79,730 Barrington 11 10,334 0.1% 15.08 $83,085 Other In-District 358 NA NA NA NA
Other Out of District 835 NA NA NA NA
Out of State 360 NA NA NA NA
State of Illinois NA NA NA NA $55,222
USA NA NA NA NA $51,425
Total20 14,559 262,071 5.6% NA NA
The above table shows the annual percentage of hometown populations that are represented at MCC. Through credit courses, non-credit programs, business training and GED or ESL classes, MCC has touched the lives of over 25% of the residents in McHenry County over the course of five years.
MCC serves students of all ages in its credit and non-credit programs, but it still provides the greatest proportion of excellence in teaching and learning to its traditional age, baccalaureate transfer students, ages 18-25. The 15-18 year old age group includes the over 300 high school students enrolled in dual-credit courses.
Program classification by student Age Group, fy 2010
Program Classification age 15 to 19 age 20 to 24 age 25 to 34 age 35 to 55 or Older age 56
Baccalaureate 1,447 3,285 910 819 144
Career & Technical 590 1,065 605 728 107
Community Education (non-credit) 55 104 279 1,370 1,208
Adult Basic Education 38 68 61 71 9
Adult Secondary Education 42 91 110 146 12
English-as-a Second-Language (ESL) 23 148 363 436 64
Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB
It is worth noting in the age distribution graph below that both credit and non-credit enrollment is combined. This results in a large percentage of enrollment for residents ages 35-55, as MCC provides corporate
training, professional development and customized educational modules for area businesses throughout the year. Courses in leadership, management, technology and specific certifications and re-certifications are offered on the main campus, at the Shah Center, and onsite at corporate and industrial facilities.
Age distribution of Mcc students, 2005 and 2009
5% 0% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 2009 2005 12.6% 11.7% 30.3% 27.3% 16.6% 18.4% 28.8% 32.1% 11.8% 10.5%
comparison of county and Mcc Age distribution, fy09
5% 0% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% McHenry County MCC Students 7.4% 12.6% 5.7% 30.3% 11.4% 16.6% 32.1% 28.8% 21.6% 11.8%Age 15 to 19 Age 20 to 24 Age 25 to 34 Age 35 to 55 Age 56 or Older
The racial and ethnic distribution of McHenry County College matches that of the overall county population, and is reflected in the following graphs. Again, the two age groups most frequently in MCC classrooms and laboratories are the traditional 18-25 year old traditional college students, and the incumbent workforce students who attend MCC as non-credit, continuing education, retraining or professional development participants.
comparison of county and Mcc demographics, fy09
Racial/Ethnic GroupMcHenry County MCC Students
N % N % White non-Hispanic 268,927 84.3% 11,803 79.8% Hispanic 36,205 11.3% 2,372 16.0% Black 2,904 0.9% 128 0.9% Asian 8,839 2.8% 232 1.6% American Indian — 0.0% 26 0.2% Other 4,086 1.3% 228 1.5% TOTAL MINORITy 52,034 16.3% 2,986 20.2% Age Group Age 15 to 19 23,491 7.4% 1,831 12.6% Age 20 to 24 18,300 5.7% 4,420 30.3% Age 25 to 34 36,307 11.4% 2,418 16.6% Age 35 to 55 102,547 32.1% 4,201 28.8% Age 56 or Older 69,004 21.6% 1,714 11.8%
Below are the declared program classifications by student racial or ethnic group. The column following enrollment by group describes the percentage of the overall enrolled population in that program. Nearly 50% of white, Asian and Native American students attend MCC for baccalaureate degrees.
Program classification by student racial/ethnic Group, fy10
ProgramClassification
asian Native amer. Black Hispanic White
# of
Students % Students # of % Students # of % Students # of % Students # of %
Baccalaureate 130 49% 20 50% 60 38% 531 24% 5,749 49%
Career & Technical 54 20% 11 28% 51 32% 297 14% 2,638 23%
Community Education
(non-credit) 28 10% 5 13% 9 13% 182 8% 2,863 25%
Adult Basic Education 11 4% 21 13% 120 5% 96 1%
Adult Secondary
Education 3 1% 4 10% 12 8% 192 9% 190 2%
English as a
Second Language 42 16% 6 4% 874 40% 114 1%
Total Students 268 40 159 2,196 11,650
Source: MCC A1 and N1 files submitted to ICCB
When compared to the racial and ethnic demographics of the county, MCC has remained consistent with county percentages in its student demographics, and this consistency has held since 2005. Slightly more Hispanic students attend MCC relative to their representation in the county population, and slightly fewer White, non-Hispanic students attend MCC relative to their county population.
racial/ethnic distribution in McHenry county, 2005 and 2009
90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 2005 2009 2.6% 2.8% 0.6% 0.9% 0.2% 0.0% 0.8% 1.3% 11.3% 10.1% 85.6% 84.3%
White Hispanic Black Asian American Other or nonHispanic Indian multiracial
Credit and Non-Credit Programs
Academic education
Students who come to MCC for academic purposes traditionally transfer their coursework to a four year university after completing two years of study. Although the research in this Plan is directed at data driven trends, occupational outlooks and workforce developments, it is critical to remember that MCC seeks to develop citizens, not simply workers. Truly, the most successful individual is the one who utilizes reason, judgment and wisdom throughout their working and personal life. Success is more than a degree. It is an understanding of the human experience. To crystallize these ideals, each member of the faculty and every member of the College community pursues five General Educational Goals in classrooms and laboratories. Adopted in 2007, the five General Education Goals are:
• Critical Thinking: To identify, define, analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas. • Information Literacy: To locate, evaluate, and use resources effectively.
• Effective Communication: To develop, articulate, and convey meaning.
• Ethical Awareness: To identify and make responsible choices in a diverse world. • Technological Literacy: To use tools skillfully.
These goals reflect the genuine interest in every student’s success, both as an individual and as a member of society. Moreover, every program and certificate developed at MCC takes into account the partnerships and influences on the local and regional community, to ensure that a student guided in a particular direction will find a measure of satisfaction and fulfillment on their educational and career path. These are the ideals held by the College, and they are reflected in the carefully chosen faculty, professional staff and administrators who lead classrooms and divisions each day of the year.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
incorporate 14 academic disciplines focused on the whole individual. Classes are designed to build character, in departments like sociology, psychology and philosophy. Other classes inspire value in departments such as speech, music, art and theatre. Further classes engender understanding through economics, political science, anthropology and history. Finally, HSS classes stimulate curiosity in departments like modern languages, journalism, reading and composition. These courses cover most general education requirements for transfer students and AA degree students. Instructors
in this division are innovative and well-respected in their fields, and regularly make a meaningful difference in the community with their talents, research and publications.
Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) at MCC strives to bridge the academic areas of the College with innovations in teaching, learning and citizenship. Popular but challenging, IS programs challenge students and
faculty to pursue higher standards in service, global awareness and applied understanding. These studies are pursued in Honors courses, International Studies study and travel opportunities, and the international 2-year college honors society, Phi Theta Kappa. An exciting and growing initiative is Learning Communities at MCC. Learning Communities are either fully integrated or linked classes that integrate two separate courses into one learning experience, breaking down the barriers between disciplines and enabling students to interact in new and unexpected ways with each other and the faculty. The coursework is integrated to emphasize the connections between two subjects, leading to a higher degree of interaction and involvement between teachers and students. Faculty work in teams to develop courses creatively and with a sense of adventure, and this attracts the inquisitive and engaged learners.
The division of Math, Science and Health Professions displays a wide range of academic and professional study. From horticulture to nursing, and from geology to physical education, this division generates strong growth and high demand from the MCC student population. Additional laboratory space has been renovated to offer one additional biology lab, but demand in math and health science lab courses far exceeds the current space available for
ambitious students. In order to complete the necessary educational requirements for a health career field in a timely manner at MCC, all students must complete the required prerequisite courses.
Developmental Education (DE) prepares students for degree and certificate work at MCC. Due to increasing enrollment of high school graduates in MCC’s DE coursework, partnerships in clinical practice will increase the capacity, success and attractiveness of the career programs and training in health sciences. Any growth and expansion will include continued efforts to build productive
relationships in the healthcare industry of the region. These include agreements for priority hiring of MCC graduates by local hospital and medical systems, use of outpatient facilities after hours for simulated work in various therapy practices, and use of simulated labs used to train hospital employees.
The division of Education, Career and Technical Education (ECTE) has 20 Associate of Applied Science degree programs and 42 certificate programs designed to prepare students for entry-level employment or career advancement in a variety of occupations. All programs have been developed by MCC faculty and academic administration with input from citizens who serve on various ECTE advisory committees to the College. State and national accreditation agencies are regularly involved in development and review. Moreover, if a student finishes an ECTE certificate or degree and is not able to demonstrate specific skills in their first year of employment, they will be retrained at no additional cost if the general and program specific conditions have been met. MCC stands by its graduates.
The College has enormously successful programs in digital media and graphic design, and partnerships with and advice from local industry has increased demand for training in many kinds of manufacturing and technology management. The culinary management program has moved from a certificate to a full degree program in 2011, with particular focus on hospitality industry management, and the facility remodel at MCC to accommodate new kitchen and learning space is already underway, with groundbreaking expected in 2012. Developed originally for adults in the evening, but fully integrated across all student populations, the Fast Track program offers accelerated Associate of Applied Science degrees in construction, manufacturing and business management degrees, and added a network security degree in 2011. The program offers a blended format, integrating face-to-face with online education, and most courses are compressed into eight-week time frames. Success stories of many students occur right in the classroom, where networking and new connections regularly lead to new employment simply from attending class. Furthermore, degree program cohorts often take place at onsite locations and at local industries around the county. Certificate and degree program coursework is regularly evaluated for
application in the current workforce of this region, and state and national licensing of all career coursework is rigorously pursued and maintained.
The College also participates in a formal educational agreement with statewide educational institutions. CAREER (Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources) partners allow District 528 residents to enroll in specified career/occupational certificate and degree programs not currently offered by MCC.
Career Education
Students who attend courses in pursuit of career education utilize the General Educational Goals in addition to skill-based training and certification. In addition to on campus career and professional
education programs listed above, MCC administers the Shah Center for Corporate Training and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), nine miles northeast of the main campus. An educational system has been designed to address the three areas of advancement accessible at MCC: the incumbent (employed) and entrepreneurial workforce; the transitional workforce, including individuals with barriers in the workforce; and the emerging (new) workforce.
Workforce & career development system
cAreer PreP
Emerging Workers
• Short Term Career Training (CPE, Grant-Funded Initiatives) • Credit/Non Credit Partnerships
(CPE/Education, Career & Technical Ed. –ECTE-Divisions)
• Bridge Programs
(Adult Ed., CPE/ECTE-Division Partnerships) • Career Readiness Certificate Assessments
(ECTE/Grant Funded Initiatives)
incuMbent And entrePreneuriAl
Worker Enhancement/Improvement
• Customized & Open Enrollment Training • Pre-screening (Work Key) (Shah, Continuing & Professional Ed.–CPE) • CEU’s–Examples include: Accounting, Electrical, Construction, Food Sanitation, Paraprofessionals, Broker (CPE, Shah)
• (Shah Center) • ISBDC (Shah Center)
WorKforce PreP
Transitioning Workers / Workers with Barriers
• GED, ESL, Spanish Literacy, STAR Reading, Literacy (Adult Ed) • SEDOM Transitions (CPE)
• Workforce Investment Administration (WIA) Partner (Adult Ed. / ECTE)
For Incumbent and Entrepreneurial workforce enhancement, the Shah Center specializes in workshops, seminars, assessment and onsite, customized workforce training. Business guidance, counseling and planning assistance, export/import facilitation, grants and networking are some of the key activities of the Shah Center. It figures prominently in the Educational Master Plan due to the community outreach and workforce engagement goals of the College president, to “ensure educational programming is meeting the needs of the community.” Development of strategies and activities that will continue to enhance economic, workforce and community development in the College’s service area include working with municipalities, business and industry leaders to meet the training needs of the current workforce.
Currently, manufacturers may qualify for training subsidies provided through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Employer Training Investment Program. The Shah Center offers a full schedule of quality and affordable training programs throughout the year. Topic areas include Computer Applications, Leadership and Professional Development, Safety, and Manufacturing Skills. To meet specific business needs, customized contract training can be provided onsite or at the Shah Center, whichever is more convenient for employers and their employees.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is a grant-funded program that provides businesses with the necessary tools to grow and succeed. Services include assistance with the development of business plans, marketing plans, Small Business Administration loan packages, and helping entrepreneurs access specialized services and resources. The ISBDC conducts seminars and workshops to improve business ownership skills, maintains a library and business software for client use, and offers assistance for procurement of government contracts and international trade services. Short-term, non-credit programs are available for individuals who want to improve career opportunities in areas of demand in the workplace or who need continuing education hours to meet requirements for license or certification renewal.
To increase access for the Incumbent Workforce, the Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) division at MCC has been approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for social workers, nursing home administrators, certified public accountants, certified counselors, childcare workers and home inspectors. MCC also offers CEUs for building inspectors, contractors, water operators, 911 operators, electricians, police, EMS workers, crisis intervention workers, healthcare workers, and firefighters.
In response to employer demand, the Professional Education department of CPE offers innovative, non-credit coursework, including Veterinary Assisting, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing and Coding, Construction, Pharmacy Technician, Computerized Numeric Control (CNC) and Welding. This coursework is monitored for potential transition to future career certification or degree. If
feasibility, cost and demand indicate the initiation of the accreditation process, MCC begins the ICCB accreditation process. The rapid response strategy of addressing emerging workforce needs through non-credit programming provides the College with an innovative alternative to the constraints of lengthy ICCB approval. In other cases, partnerships, grants and high demand combine to create an ideal environment for accreditation. When courses become accredited, MCC works to award credit to prior students, and these retroactive credits serve as a pathway to degree completion.
For example, MCC has offered Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) non-credit training and professional development since fall of 2010. A partnership with School District 200 in Woodstock paired with a grant enabled MCC to purchase and initiate the CNC program on the Woodstock High School campus. The CNC technology is taught to high school students during the day, and through MCC
Professional Education at night. Due to the extremely high cost of startup, the shared CNC cost made it possible for both partners to benefit. MCC is now pursuing ICCB certification so the College can offer this highly specialized training to students who will use financial aid to fund their CNC training, an important manufacturing technology in McHenry County. CNC training will be administered by the Education, Career and Technical Education (ECTE) Division of MCC when accredited, and non-credit seats will also be held for those professionals who do not require a degree or certificate. Credits may be awarded retroactively to students who completed the courses previously and are able to demonstrate proficiency.
All programs and courses at MCC are regularly evaluated through a program review process, for relevance in the County’s economy, and further efforts are regularly created to bring students into business and industrial environments through internships, apprenticeships and practical experience opportunities. In addition to the District 200 CNC partnership mentioned above, recent success in this area include:
• Shah Center receipt of $175,000 in funding the through the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The funding will underwrite area manufacturers’ costs to help meet their personalized training needs. • The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) received $90,000 through DCEO to help
area businesses increase the level of export development and international trade services. • The McHenry County Community Foundation donated $5,000 to Workforce Services to expand
WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate Program for McHenry County’s area high schools. Additionally, the McHenry County Community Foundation awarded $3,900 to support the Early Childhood Educators Conference to be held November 12, 2011.
MCC offers many opportunities to assist students who require Workforce Preparation and those Workers with Barriers in preparation for college-level coursework. The College is committed to meeting learners at their current skill level and supporting them in pursuit of their educational, career and personal goals. For adults who have not completed high school or who cannot read and/or speak English at a functional level, the College offers programs in Adult Basic Education – Literacy (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL). MCC’s ABE classes comprise a comprehensive reading skills development program for students with reading levels between non-reader to about the eighth grade level. Personalized instruction is emphasized in these classes which are free to students. MCC’s ASE classes cover grammar and fundamentals of written English, reading techniques, and mathematics. The pace of the course is determined by students’ needs and skill level, and students may re-enroll in this free course as many times as necessary until successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) exam. MCC’s ESL program includes beginning, intermediate, and advanced conversational courses for adults whose native language is not English. These various services and opportunities prepare MCC students for college-level work and directly impact completion rates of degree and certificate awards.
Community Programs
MCC is the largest community service provider to residents of the county, in many service areas. Many are grant funded or locally mandated, but many more are fee-based educational offerings that enrich and enhance the quality of life in McHenry County. Residents of all ages come to MCC for classes, travel, fitness and events, and the College has been a meeting place for nearly 45 years. Lifelong learning and personal enrichment efforts include:
The Retired Adults Program (RAP) offers stimulating and enriching fee-based educational opportunities for adults who are 50 years of age or older. A variety of classes and activities take place each month including seminars, lectures, lunches, videos and discussion groups.
Continuing Education is a resource for individuals, organizations and businesses. Individuals who want to continue learning throughout life can register for a variety of personal development classes, seminars or activities which do not carry college credit. A comprehensive course schedule of these programs is available three times per year. The programs within Continuing Education are self-supported via fees that are paid by participants.
Trips & Tours offers trips ranging from one-day trips to extended travel. Examples of such trips are: Chicago Theatre, a weekend in Shipshewana, Indiana, and a week in Vermont.
The Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM) partners with MCC for its Pathways Program, to offer a transition education program for students with disabilities. In 2010, Pathways Program was awarded an Exemplary Program Award from the Illinois Council for Continuing Education and Training (ICCET). This prestigious award usually is given to up to three Illinois community colleges, but last year the MCC/SEDOM partnership program was the sole recipient for the entire state of Illinois. The Pathways Program was also nominated for the National Council for Continuing Education and Trainings (NCCET) Exemplary Program Award. The Pathways Program responds to the numerous secondary and postsecondary education students in need of a specialized program that provides academic and vocational education, plus career exploration.
Kids and College includes enrichment, remedial and gifted programming for all students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Emphasis is placed on supporting non-credit programming through input by local schools and the community. Classes are designed to help all students explore new interests, gain additional skills and begin their lifelong learning process.
The Family Violence Prevention Program is a grant-funded program administered by MCC. The College serves in a coordination role for the Family Violence Council, whose purpose is to establish a forum to improve institutional, professional and community response to family violence, engage in education, prevention and intervention services for victims, and to contribute to the improvement of the legal system and the administration of justice.
The court-mandated Traffic Safety School program is intended for McHenry County traffic violators or individuals interested in improving defensive driving skills. The program has been proven to improve traffic skills, decrease the possibility of future traffic violations and the possibility of serious collisions.
The Center for Non-Profit Leadership provides networking opportunities and professional development for the executive directors, managers, volunteers and boards of directors of non-profit agencies and organizations.
