New Programs and Innovative Technology Showcased at Press Conference
Illinois Central College (ICC) is launching several new programs and cutting-edge technologies designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing job market.
At a press conference held on July 9, Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of ICC, outlined the college’s commitment to using technology and innovation to meet the needs of students and local businesses.
We are committed to finding innovative ways to make an impact on the Central Illinois community by filling gaps in the workforce and helping our students obtain jobs paying a family-sustaining wage that will change the trajectory of their and their families’ lives.
Dr. Quirk-Bailey, ICC President
“We are proud to showcase the many ways in which we are equipping our students with the skills regional employers need to meet their workforce demands,” said Dr. Quirk-Bailey.
This fall, ICC is launching two new programs and a short-term certificate aimed at addressing local workforce needs and providing pathways to high-demand, higher-wage jobs:
- Construction Management: This program offers hands-on experiences in project management, estimating, construction methods, and documentation to prepare students for immediate employment in this growing field.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Previously only offered as a two-year degree, this new short-term certificate focuses on network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking to equip students with the expertise needed to tackle cybersecurity challenges and secure key positions in local companies.
- Artificial Intelligence: Offering hands-on training in machine learning and data mining, this program prepares students for the high-demand, data-driven roles sought by local employers.
In addition, ICC is introducing four new short-term IT certificates which can be earned in six months. These certificates are designed to fast-track individuals into the workforce and help those already employed advance their careers.
ICC also showcased innovative technology being integrated into existing programs. The EMT Program demonstrated new virtual reality equipment for training, while the Health Careers faculty presented a patient simulator with AI-generated speech and lifelike internal anatomy to better replicate real-life interactions with patients.
“All our new programs and technologies are specifically designed to prepare our students for careers in high-demand, higher-wage fields,” Dr. Quirk-Bailey emphasized. “ICC is committed to working with local employers to identify gaps in the workforce and fill them so we can create a vibrant and growing economy in Central Illinois.”
Dr. Quirk-Bailey also discussed the impact ICC has on the community. Currently, 65% of jobs in the region require a post-secondary credential. In the last five years, ICC has increased the number of adults with these credentials from 40% to 43% to narrow the workforce gap. Since 2019, through the Workforce Equity Initiative, ICC has also raised over 1,000 local individuals out of poverty and into the workforce.
“ICC is committed to making sure our students have the resources they need to reach their goals, and the numbers show we’re helping students succeed at a high rate,” Dr. Quirk-Bailey concluded. “We will continue to create a transformative experience for our students by finding innovative ways for our students to achieve their goals, now and in the future.”