IECC Receives Dual Credit Grant

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges has been awarded an Access and Equity in Dual Credit project grant in the amount of $117,764 from the Illinois Community College Board. This project is tailored to assist and support colleges in providing equitable access and enhanced delivery of dual credit in high schools with underserved student populations, including students living in rural areas.  This Dual Credit Project grant is designed to provide and enhance dual credit opportunities and increase the number of college credits students achieve in core academic areas and along career technical education pathways.  
 
“This grant will provide funding for IECC to implement strategies to enhance the dual credit experience for students, parents, school administrators, and teachers providing additional resources to help educate students and parents on the importance of intentional, purpose-driven course selection to high school juniors and seniors taking dual credit courses,” said Megan Black, Director of Dual Credit.
 
The IECC project team will work with high schools to enhance access to dual credit courses by utilizing various resources including synchronous learning classrooms.  IECC will coordinate with high school administrators, counselors, instructors, and regional offices of education to support students in providing a seamless transition through postsecondary education and into the workforce.  IECC will offer community workshops for students and their families to share information about dual credit opportunities, eligibility, and requirements. IECC plans to host a dual credit summit event for high school and college administrators, staff, and faculty to ensure quality instruction in dual credit classes.  
 
Black says careful dual credit course selection is vital to a student’s academic success. “This grant funding will provide opportunities to enhance support services to students planning to enroll in dual credit courses so that students are on track and fulfilling degree requirements while reducing time toward degree completion.”
 
She says that dual credit courses allow students to experience college-level courses while still in high school and provide them the confidence necessary to continue their higher education journey after high school. 
 
“Dual Credit courses offer a valuable opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to simultaneously earn high school and college credit.   Dual Credit students can get a head start on taking college-level courses that will count toward a professional certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.”