Harper official testifies before Congress

A Harper College official was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to testify before a House Appropriations subcommittee on career and technical education and apprenticeships.

Maria Coons, the Palatine-based community college's chief of staff and vice president of institutional planning and strategic alliances, discussed Harper's efforts to award credentials that have labor market value, close the skills gaps and advance workforce initiatives, officials said.

Coons also highlighted Harper's work with the Department of Labor to develop registered apprenticeships in the business and professional services sector, such as its insurance apprenticeship with Zurich North America in Schaumburg.