Community colleges step up for workers

For all the tough times this recession has brought, few have been hit harder than the thousands of suburban workers whose jobs have been eliminated.

The livelihood that put food on the table and paid for the roof overhead is gone, in many cases forcing a career change in a tight market. Making things worse is the fact technology is causing upheaval in some business models. Job descriptions that once made for a good living are disappearing right before our eyes. And, for anyone facing the prospect of starting a new career at midlife, it has to be downright scary.

One port in the storm has been suburban community colleges, which Daily Herald staff writer Matt Arado found have stepped up to provide some creative programs designed to help displaced workers get back on their feet.

True, community colleges usually see an increase in interest during tough economic times, but this year that interest is off the charts.

A job fair hosted by College of Lake County saw roughly 1,500 job-seekers, double the usual number. Harper College, McHenry County College and Elgin Community College have each seen big increases in returning adults. College of DuPage reports double the usual number of people are inquiring about workshops explaining what the school offers to adult learners.

This reliance on higher education comes at a time when colleges and universities in Illinois face their own economic woes.

The drop in state funding of public schools has accelerated at a time when pay cuts and job cuts have made it difficult for students to afford the cost of a college education.

Colleges and universities, especially private institutions, have seen big losses in endowments that help fund new buildings and equipment and scholarships. That has also meant a pinch in financial aid when families need it most.

The unemployed and underemployed coming to community colleges are seeking basic job-hunting tools, such as how to write the best resume, and new career training. However, these schools also have rolled out a host of new programs and incentives.

Oakton Community College offered free tuition on several programs last semester to full-time workers who lost their jobs. In February, College of Lake County started offering a weekly support group for unemployed residents. The sessions have attracted 20 to 25 people each week.

Harper has launched a series of new programs for the unemployed under the name "Re/New You" that include seminars and workshops about finding a job, starting a new career, managing stress, along with a monthly support group for those who have been laid off or are changing careers. Some 250 people attended the first support group meeting.

For many, the offerings are providing the tools and hope of a brighter tomorrow.