Working committee

Education and Workforce Development

The committee works to ensure that there is a continually learning, self-improving, and diverse workforce in Illinois to meet industrial, professional, social, and business demands

Courtney Breckenridge

Co-Chair

Specialist of Alternative Credentials and Grant Development
SIU Edwardsville

Sheila Quirk-Bailey

Co-Chair

President
Illinois Central College

Jeannette Tamayo

IIN Staff Liaison

What we do

The IIN recognizes the importance of a strong, vibrant and inclusive workforce in Illinois, and seeks to develop connections and programming that achieves that goal.

The committee aims to achieve these objectives:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the current state of education and workforce development in Illinois
  • Identify key economic drivers in Illinois (e.g. manufacturing, healthcare, etc.) and synergies with community college courses and programming
  • Identify pilot projects, including partnerships with community colleges, that can utilize the IIN platform to reach large and diverse audiences and create greater impact by addressing key economic drivers for the state
  • Cultivate partnerships with nonprofits and/or community colleges that currently offer programming that targets equitable workforce development and education in Illinois
  • Identify grant opportunities that could underwrite statewide initiatives in education and workforce development
  • Expand opportunities across the state by providing specific and targeted workforce development that recognizes the need for a diverse workforce

Subcommittees

Community College Collaboration

The subcommittee leads the IIN’s relationship with Illinois community colleges and the Illinois Community College Board. It explores topics such as transfer programs, articulation and career pathways.

Co-Chairs: Eric Lugo, Senior Advisor, City Colleges of Chicago; Curt Rendall, Executive Director of Program Development and Innovation, Heartland College

 

Digital Learning Environment

This subcommittee identifies tools and technology to align programs and services for digital and remote education and training.

Chair: Chris Merrett, Dean for Innovation and Economic Development and Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, Western Illinois University

 

Equity Best Practices

This subcommittee identifies best practices and models within the equity, diversity and inclusion space. It also examines equity outcome programs and partnerships with equity initiatives.

Chair: TBD

 

Experiential Learning and Apprenticeships

This subcommittee coordinates the IIN’s efforts in workforce development programs, work-based learning that results in accredited, licensed or degreed credentials, internships, externships, immersive education and collaborative education.

Chair: Jennifer Foil, Director of Workforce Education, Discovery Partners Institute; Sarah Zehr Gantz, Senior Assistant Vice President of Academic Initiatives and Policies, University of Illinois System

 

Workforce Development Support and Community Engagement

This subcommittee identifies best practices and models in workforce equity pathways, wraparound and ancillary services, and community engagement.

Chair: TBD

 

Youth

This subcommittee coordinates the IIN’s efforts in workforce development programs, work-based learning that results in accredited, licensed or degreed credentials, internships, externships, immersive education and collaborative education.

Chair: Paul Ritter, Science Teacher, Pontiac High School; Gina Grant, Associate Director of K-9 Student Programming, Discovery Partners Institute