PEORIA MAGAZINE August 2023

“Collaboration is the way of the future in higher education,” said Bradley, noting just how much the pandemic changed the playing field. “It’s not about any one of the individual schools.” Rarick agreed that COVID sparked some new perspectives. “We all know we need to keep our (job) skills sharp,” she said. “Lifelong learning is taking on a new meaning. It applies to everybody.” The push for non-traditional students and adult learners became clearer recently with the news that the number of graduating high school seniors in Illinois had dropped 5% from its 2015 peak. Crain’s Chicago Business has reported that the number of high school graduates is expected to drop 22% by the middle of the next decade. “People are excited about growing an adult student population,” Bradley said. “We’ve taken into consideration the responsibilities of parents, employees.” That extends to area businesses and industry. Shafer, who has a financial services background, said an estimated 1,500 IT jobs will need to be filled in the region in the coming years. The programs cover both experienced and entry-level positions. “We knew the business community wanted this,” he said. The grant runs through mid-2025, but Shafer hopes it can become self-sus taining and continue. As the IT land scape changes, likely so too will the course offerings. Meanwhile, facul ty also help students with interview preparations and résumés. “It is really an opportunity to grow jobs in this region,” said Shafer. “We know that learners who earn credentials … can change the trajectory of their lives,” added Rarick. “Employers also benefit from a skilled workforce and a growing economy.”

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Bob Grimson is a longtime journalist. He also is active in Peoria area community theater

JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 39