Community College Baccalaureate Degrees in IllinoisLegislative UpdateAs the spring legislative session concluded on May 31, SB1988 House Amendment 2 was not called to the House floor. The initiative, introduced by the Governor on February 19, advanced rapidly in the months that followed but was ultimately delayed amid end-of-session constraints. Challenges to PassageOver the past three months, several political and procedural dynamics ultimately prevented SB1988 from being called to the House floor:
Progress MadeEven without a floor vote, SB1988 made significant headway this session:
This work has not gone unnoticed and positions the bill for a strong return in the months ahead. What’s NextThe Governor’s Office remains actively committed to the goals of SB1988, and so do we. Our shared goal is to reintroduce the bill during the fall veto session (late October–early November). Thank you to every community college leader, trustee, and advocate who has contributed to this effort. Your engagement has elevated the visibility and urgency of this issue in powerful ways. We look forward to continuing this work together. View the Illinois CCB Program Bill Overview and Myths and Truths about Illinois CCBs. Illinois industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education—fields that increasingly require bachelor’s degrees—face urgent workforce shortages, yet fewer than 1 in 6 community college students earn a bachelor’s degree.Transforming Illinois Through Community College Baccalaureate DegreesIllinois’ higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, prioritizes increasing bachelor’s degree attainment to drive living-wage earnings and economic security. With growing workforce demands in critical industries like healthcare, technology, and education, Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) degrees align education with state priorities. CCB degrees equip students with the advanced skills required for in-demand roles, empowering local communities and strengthening state workforces.  Community College Baccalaureate Degrees to Expand Illinois' Skilled WorkforceCommunity College Baccalaureate degrees expand access to bachelor's education, strengthen career pathways, and increase degree attainment in Illinois. See Illinois CCB Fact Sheet A Proven Workforce SolutionCommunity College Baccalaureate (CCB) programs are transforming education and workforce development in 24 states by addressing regional workforce needs and preparing students for high-demand roles close to home. Many state CCB programs require direct employer involvement in program planning, ensuring alignment with industry demands. For example, Ohio mandates agreements with regional businesses to train and hire graduates, a strategy reflected in the success of Florida and Washington’s CCB programs, where 3 in 4 graduates secure jobs in their field of study within four terms.
Expanding Access Through CCB DegreesCCB programs make bachelor’s degrees more accessible for working adults, first-generation students, and diverse communities by addressing financial and geographic barriers. In Illinois, where 40% of commuting zones lack a nearby public university, CCB programs play a critical role in bridging the gap in these education deserts. A recent survey of Illinois community college students revealed 75% of students said they’d be much more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree if their college offered one, and 40% who hadn’t considered a baccalaureate degree would rethink their plans. CCB programs go beyond expanding access—they remove barriers, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s degrees that were once out of reach. Where can I find more information?Please contact Jim Reed, Executive Director, Illinois Community College Trustees Association, [email protected]. Our Research and Reports
20 Frequently Asked Questions about Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) Degrees in Illinois
Times and Modes of Instruction as a Potential Barrier to Baccalaureate Attainment for Working Students
Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) in Illinois: FAQs, Data, and Policy Prospects Webinar (December 15, 2023)
Community College Baccalaureate (CCB) in Illinois: FAQs, Data, and Policy Prospects Presentation Deck (December 15, 2023)
Baccalaureate Attainment Policies and Initiatives for Community College Students in the Great Lakes: Synthesis of the April 2024 Virtual Convening
Survey of Illinois Community College Students about the Community College Baccalaureate (November 2024)
Summary of Illinois Community College Student Survey about Community College Baccalaureate
CCB Occupational Brief: Information Security Analyst / Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer and Information Systems Security
CCB Occupational Brief: Respiratory Therapist / Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy
CCB Occupational Brief: Advanced Manufacturing / Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Production Management / Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering TechnologyIn The NewsDespite Victories, major higher education policy bills stall in General Assembly Governor moves some universities to 'no position' on his community college baccalaureate bill Triton Students Make Case in Springfield For Four-Year Degrees at Community Colleges Commentary: It's Time for Illinois to Empower Community Colleges to Grant Bachelor's Degrees Expand access, opportunity with community college bachelor's degrees in Illinois Opinion A homegrown solution: Community college bachelor's degrees can transform Southeastern Illinois Time to Move Beyond Short-term Solutions in Overcoming Teacher Shortages Bringing Bachelor's Degrees Home to Southern Illinois Community colleges renew push for four-year degrees, but universities push back Arne Duncan: Illinois should let residents pursue a bachelor's degree at a community college Community College Baccalaureate Legislation from Shawnee Community College Pritzker: University fears of community colleges offering four-year degrees are ‘misplaced’ Community Colleges Expand Four-Year Degree Options as Illinois Joins National Trend Gov. JB Pritzker on education proposals in Illinois Gov. Pritzker Proposes Expanding Access to Four-Year Degrees at Community Colleges |
Announcements
Did you know that ICCTA offers 4 scholarships for Illinois community colleges students? Or that we honor the state's outstanding community college alumni, faculty, business partners, and professional staff? Click HERE for the list of ICCTA's awards and scholarships.
