Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Community colleges throughout Illinois provide high school students an accelerated career pathway in the form of dual credit courses. These courses minimize the cost of college and shorten the time required for degree completion by allowing students to enroll in classes that simultaneously count toward both high school and college completion.
Illinois community colleges have emerged as the leaders in dual credit instruction, with all 48 Illinois community colleges providing dual credit courses in their communities. According to the University of Illinois Dual Credit Report, more than 82,000 Illinois high school students enrolled in dual credit courses through their local community colleges in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, representing 97% of all dual credit enrollment throughout Illinois.
With dual credit, students enjoy a discounted tuition rate, and in select cases, are eligible to enroll for free, helping their families save thousands of dollars on college-level courses. Dual credit students also build confidence and momentum as they enter post-secondary education, which often correlates with increased college enrollment and readiness. In 2021, 73% of Illinois high school dual credit graduates enrolled in college, and among Illinois Community College students, those who previously enrolled in dual credit courses were more likely to graduate, according to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).
Lake Land College provides dual credit courses across 34 school districts. In FY 2023, the College enrolled more than 1,400 dual credit students, and the current headcount for the Fall 2024 semester alone is 1,165. According to research from the University of Illinois, Lake Land is among the most active community colleges in Illinois in regards to dual credit participation.
Lake Land College provides dual credit opportunities in both general education and Career and Technical Education (CTE). The majority of general education dual credit courses are conveniently provided at the students’ own high schools, allowing them to earn a head start by completing college-level classes in math, science, English and more. Meanwhile, CTE dual credit students enjoy hands-on career exploration with state-of-the-art labs and technology available on Lake Land’s campuses.
Lake Land dual credit students also benefit from strategic community partnerships. The College works closely with the Mattoon-based Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) to expand dual credit opportunities and create affordable, accessible college pathways. Meanwhile, Lake Land provides free dual credit courses to students participating in the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA). In fact, Lake Land’s recently-acquired Effingham Technology Center will house all ERCA operations and classes beginning Fall 2025, along with the College’s current operations at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology.
In 2024, Lake Land College introduced the Laker Connect Counselor, a role designed to help students make the most of their dual credit experience. The Laker Connect Counselor provides individualized guidance to all dual credit students, helping them explore careers, plan their college futures, navigate transfer options and discover resources to help them pay for college. High school students and their parents can learn more about the program and meet with Laker Connect Counselor Kellie Niemerg by contacting her at 217-234-5473 or kkeck16009@lakelandcollege.edu.
At Lake Land College and throughout the Illinois community college system, dual credit courses are providing students a valuable head start toward their academic and professional goals. As students enjoy the cost and time savings offered with the dual credit pathway, local communities are rewarded for their investments with a highly skilled and educated workforce.
“By integrating college-level learning into high school, dual credit helps create a workforce-ready generation that strengthens our community and meets current industry needs,” said Director of Dual Credit Tessa Wiles. “Lake Land’s dual credit program bridges high school, college and career pathways, providing students with a head start on their futures and a foundation for long-term success.”
To learn more about dual credit at Lake Land College, contact Wiles at 217-234-5044 or twiles@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
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