Macomb-based CTE Center to Open Pathways to Manufacturing, Skilled Trades
Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation this month that lets Illinois high school students take career and technical education courses instead of foreign language classes to graduate, a shift that could reshape how students prepare for jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades.
The change, championed by the Illinois Manufacturers Association, opens a new door for area students who attend the future Career Technical Education (CTE) Center on Spoon River College's Macomb campus. The center will serve students from Macomb, Bushnell and Colchester school districts, plus adult learners in the region.
Macomb Community Unit School District No. 185 Superintendent Mark Twomey said the district will consider the new option for students who choose the CTE path, but with caution.
'We would not want a student to change their mind later during their high school career and not have the necessary foreign language requirement for college admission,' Twomey said. 'This is something we would consider, but only after a good deal of education takes place with those students.'
The center, planned for the former Finn property on the east side of SRC's Jackson Street campus, represents a bet on regional workforce development. Spoon River College is waiting for the word on two Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity grants totaling $9 million, which help go toward building the facility. Macomb School District will help fund the center through projected revenue from the Camp Creek Wind Farm, along with bonds, a one-cent sales tax, federal grants, and private donations.
Spoon River College's new President Shelley Barkley comes to the area community college with extensive CTE experience under her belt. She said Spoon River College supports efforts that provide Illinois students with greater flexibility to explore educational pathways aligned with their interests, goals and future aspirations.
'This legislation creates additional opportunities for students to engage in career and technical education while in high school and to gain meaningful exposure to a variety of career fields. Through dual credit and other collaborative partnerships with our local school districts, Spoon River College is well positioned to support students in exploring both career and academic pathways and making informed decisions about what comes next,' Barkley added. 'We remain committed to providing students with a broad range of learning opportunities that prepare them for continued education, the workforce, and lifelong success.'
Sarah Hartwick, IMA senior vice president and corporate board secretary, said the law addresses a critical need.
'Providing hands-on learning opportunities is critical to developing a skilled manufacturing workforce that will strengthen our state's economy for generations to come,' she said.
