Transitions Academy Accerating Opportunity Application Released

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is pleased to release the application for participation in the FY2014 Transitions Academy. The Transition Academy provides the opportunity for community colleges programs to develop integrated learning opportunities for Adult Education students. 

With initial funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Illinois Joyce Foundation and in partnership with Washington’s State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the National Council for Workforce Education, and the National College Transition Network, Jobs for the Future has launched a four-year, multi-state initiative, Accelerating Opportunity, that will create effective pathways to credentials and careers for lower-skilled adults.  One of the policy levers of this initiative, is the scale the project to provide opportunity for intensive technical assistance that will be offered through the Transitions Academy.

PURPOSE

Illinois is one of a few states to develop an Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) or an “I-BEST-like” approach to be implemented at local community colleges.  I-BEST is an instructional model originating in Washington State, designed to provide college access and support for adult basic education students and to help students progress further and faster along career and educational pathways. I-BEST pairs Adult Education and professional technical instructors in the same classroom (team teaching) to advance student learning gains, to contextualize skills content, and to integrate learning outcomes.  To date, twelve Illinois Community Colleges have either chosen to replicate the I-BEST model exactly or have developed an I-BEST-like approach.  For the purpose of this application, Illinois has chosen an I-BEST-like approach. 

Through funding from Adult Education and Career and Technical Education, the ICCB will select four to six colleges to participate in the project.  Those who are interested in participating in this intensive project must submit an application by June 28, 2013.  The application can be found by clicking the following link:  http://icsps.illinoisstate.edu/transitionsacademy/index.html  and under FY14 application, click on FY14 Accelerating Opportunity Affiliate Application. 

Those who are selected will be required to attend the Transitions Academy that will be held on July 30 and 31, 2013 in Springfield, IL.  Colleges selected will also received $20,000 to assist in the development of their project. We ask that you work very closely with individuals within your institution to develop your project application.  Two of the required partners in the application are the Adult Basic Education Program Director and the Career and Technical Education Director.  Only one application per institution.  Project requirements are included in the application.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Foster, Associate Vice President for Adult Education and Workforce Development (Jennifer.Foster@illinois.gov or 217-785-0171) or Brian Durham, Senior Director for Academic Affairs and Career and Technical Education (brian.durham@illinois.gov or 217-524-5502).