CLC's Promise Program offers students the chance to pursue a college education

Are you a high-school student or a parent concerned about financing a college education?

There's hope with the College of Lake County's Promise Program, which for eligible students covers the gap between federal and state financial aid and tuition and fees. Students can graduate from CLC in two years and as close to debt-free as possible, earning either a degree or certificate, transferring to a four-year college or entering the workforce. In addition, an academic success coach helps students develop a plan to meet their academic and personal goals.

Since the concept launched last fall, 48 students have participated, said Eric Tammes, director of Academic Success. "The Promise Program reflects CLC's core mission of delivering accessible learning opportunities to advance student success and strengthen the diverse Lake County communities served by the college," he said.

Financially, the program has made a big difference for Chantal Moody, a Round Lake resident double majoring in communications and theatre. "Without the funding, I would not be able to attend college," she said.

Additionally, Moody said she has improved as a student after meeting regularly with peer accountability partners and academic success coach Mary P. Haynes, who has provided practical tips such as the need to schedule regular study time. "The Promise Program has been a motivator for me, and it's really paid off," said Moody, who graduated from Grant Community High School in 2017. "In high school, I earned B's and C's, but in my first year at CLC, I'm very excited to have earned straight A's, even while participating in several theatre productions, choir and other clubs."

Beyond study skills, Moody said she has grown by attending seminars in money management, fighting procrastination and building leadership skills. "The leadership workshop included a session in diversity that emphasized the importance of appreciating differences and coming to a common ground," said Moody, whose goal is to become a successful actress on Broadway and on screen. "Collaborating with others is important in acting and in any other career."

The opportunity to develop acting skills is another aspect of CLC that Moody treasures. "The college's performing arts facilities are awesome, with different theatres and spaces that allow you to try different approaches," she said, noting that she has had roles in "Street Scene" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" productions. "The directors and other actors have been great to work with and are so talented. CLC prepares you for the outside world, where you have to audition amid other talented actors."

To learn about the Promise Program, visit www.clcillinois.edu/promise or call (847) 543-2090. To discover more extraordinary things you might not know about CLC, visit www.clcillinois.edu/topten.

Summer Session began June 4, and Fall Semester starts Aug. 20. For details, including late-starting summer courses, visit www.clcillinois.edu/register-for-summer-and-fall.