Community colleges to share career programs

Community college districts statewide have agreed to share career and technical education programs so students can access programs unavailable at their home colleges.

The Illinois Community College Board Wednesday announced the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources.

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 yearly in credit and noncredit courses.

"The CAREER agreement capitalizes on the finances, facilities, equipment and personnel of each college to expand student access to degree and certificate programs in high demand career and technical education fields," ICCB Executive Director Karen Hunter Anderson said. "The fact that all 39 districts have signed on to participate in this voluntary agreement reflects the system's commitment to providing affordable, accessible educational opportunities for students."

Under the agreement, students can take advantage of CTE programs offered at any other Illinois community college, if the program is not offered in their home district. Students would pay the resident tuition and fee rates, despite living outside the community college district.

The agreement also eliminates charges assessed to students' in-district community college when they enroll at a community college outside their district.