COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
[ 2024 ]
STRATEGY DRIVES TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE
CLC strives to be a place where every student succeeds, every employee thrives, so that every business achieves and every community grows.
Guided by this aspirational statement for the past five years, CLC improved equitable student success outcomes through its strategic efforts and by leveraging workforce and community partnerships.
This year, CLC will refresh its strategic plan and invite input from business leaders, community members, students and employees to guide the college’s relentless pursuit of excellence in service to the diverse communities of Lake County.
35,000+ community members served
THREE CAMPUSES | TWO SPECIALTY CENTERS | ONE COLLEGE
LOCAL SUCCESS, NATIONAL RECOGNITION
CLC achieved a milestone in 2023 with its designation as a Leader College. This national recognition, awarded by the Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network, is the result of improved equitable student outcomes through the College’s transformational change efforts.
SERVING AN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE STUDENT BODY
Over the past five years, CLC’s student demographics have become increasingly diverse, reflecting the population of Lake County. CLC serves students of all ages from every community in the county.
CLC STUDENT ETHNICITY:
CELEBRATING HISPANIC EXCELLENCE
According to Excelencia in Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, College of Lake County was one of the top five institutions awarding associate degrees to Latinx students in Illinois in 2023. CLC is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution according to the Higher Education Act by the U.S. Department of Education.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
CLC has invested in efforts to ensure a culturally relevant and student-focused environment that provides a sense of belonging for every student. CLC is committed to actionable change in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist practices to achieve a campus climate that provides a model learning environment for every student.
STUDENTS WE SERVE
FISCAL YEAR: JULY 2023 - JUNE 2024
MORE THAN
22,000
students enrolled in college, adult education, English as a Second Language (ESL), dual credit and workforce training classes
NEARLY
3,300 students in Adult Education and ESL, +20% growth since last year
CLC was named a Military Friendly® School in 2024, ranking fifth in the Large Community College category. Additionally, this was the first year CLC earned the military veteran and spousefriendly award. CLC served 585 miliary students and their families last year.
Illinois community colleges educate 65% of students enrolled in public higher education in the state and serve the most diverse student body in terms of age, ethnicity and socioeconomic status
1 in 5 students who graduated from a local high school in 2023 attended CLC the year after graduation
average student age
students
LEARNING FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
CLC provides community programming for students of all ages and abilities, noncredit classes, professional development and workforce training to upskill employees.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Grayslake Campus farm cultivated 5,640 lbs. of produce. Student interns contributed to growing 50 crops in over 150 varieties
• 14 youth farmers worked at the Greenbelt Farm in Waukegan.
CLC significantly expanded its community outreach this year by partnering with Employee Connections and Lake County Workforce Development
• More than 1,800 students ranging in age from 5 to 91 enrolled in personal enrichment classes such as creative arts, music, history and current events
• Nearly 80 students served by the Personal Success Program, providing career skills training for young adults with cognitive disabilities, now called Lancer Explore Institute
• 500+ students in grades 1-12 attended summer camps offering hands-on exploration in STEM-based careers.
• 75 students from North Chicago attended summer camp thanks to a scholarship from the Steans Family Foundation
• A record 580+ students participated in the Fast-Paced Gifted Program for Grades 6-8
GRADUATION AND BEYOND
MORE THAN
3,100
graduates earned 3,700+ awarded credentials last year
TOP 5 PROGRAMS STUDENTS TRANSFER INTO AT 4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
CLC has reached a record high graduation rate
In the past 55 years, CLC has graduated nearly 65,000 students with 93,000 degrees and certificates
Engineering
Nursing Business
Psychology Biology*
*Includes Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Human Biology Source: National Student Clearinghouse
“I had help with the entire transfer process, starting with what classes to take while I was at CLC. It was helpful to have someone who knew everything about the school I wanted to transfer to and could give advice for that college specifically.”
– Paloma Alcala, transferred to engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
SMALL CLASSES, BIG IMPACT
CLC instructors bridge the gap between theory and practice with their real-world experience and personalized educational plans. Small class sizes and active learning communities ensure instructors are available to students. With a commitment to teaching excellence, CLC faculty are dedicated to helping students achieve success and apply practical skills with confidence in the workplace.
15 students per class on average
49 art, science and careerfocused associate degrees
128 career certificates
1,470 credit course offerings
SMART INVESTMENT
On average, students save $30,000 in tuition and fees by enrolling at CLC for two years before transferring to an Illinois public university to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Annual Tuition and Fees for Full-time, In-District Students at Illinois Colleges
Source: IPEDS 2022-2023 Tuition & Fees Rate Averages
“I looked into CLC a little bit more, and I just really fell in love with the community, the great financial aid packages and the excellent programs for transferring to a four-year university.” – Kamden Kuklinski
$24.5M in various forms of financial aid including scholarships awarded to students
30% of students received federal Pell grants, making their education cost-free with support for learning resources and living expenses
More than 300 students granted over $120,000 in emergency funds to stay on their educational path
DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The CLC Foundation is dedicated to opening doors to educational opportunities for all in Lake County. Thanks to the generosity of donor partners, students receive scholarships and emergency funds, and the college receives support to implement innovative programs to meet community and workforce needs.
$3.6+ million fundraised
Over $1 million in CLC Foundation student scholarships distributed
Nearly
600 students received support from Foundation donors
1,000+ financial awards made
“CLC plays a critical role in Lake County’s future. From educating tomorrow’s dedicated professionals to convening and connecting the county’s residents, CLC is an essential resource focused on helping all of Lake County thrive.
Providing scholarships and grants to CLC students ensures not only the vitality but the longevity of our community.”
– Renée Young, CLC Foundation Board Chair, Sr. Director, Communications, Grainger
SUCCESS FROM THE START
START: CLC implemented a critical support model, so students start their college experience strong.
PROGRESS: The supports incoming students receive to prepare for their transition to college were reimagined to ensure all students receive personal guidance through their academic journey as they pursue their education and career goals.
Student Success
Onboarding
Advising
First-Year Experience
Academic Success Advisors and College Career Navigators offer critical support to students:
Among students entering CLC in fall 2023, 75% of applicants who met with a College and Career Navigator enrolled at CLC. 30% of applicants who did not meet with a navigator enrolled.
86% of students who met with their Academic Success Advisor during their first semester progressed to the next semester; 48% who did not meet with their advisor continued to the next semester.
Students who utilize their personal college and career navigator and Academic Success Advisor are four times more likely to progress through their college career and reach their academic goals.
DUAL CREDIT IMPROVES PATH TO COLLEGE
Dual credit provides students with a path to complete a college degree in the least amount of time and cost while increasing the college-going rate throughout the Lake County community.
“Dual credit improves access to higher education and lessens the financial burden on families, especially for students from under-represented backgrounds. By earning college credits in high school, students may be more motivated to further their education and have greater confidence in their abilities to succeed in college.”
– Evonnda Fulton, M.S.Ed, Waukegan School District #60
• 25 high schools offer dual credit classes with CLC
• Nearly 4,000 high school students took dual credit courses in 43 academic departments
• Dual credit enrollment increased by 24%, with a total increase of 288% students served in the last 5 years
• 29% of dual credit students became CLC students immediately after graduating high school
• Students and families saved nearly $3 million in college tuition last year by enrolling in dual credit classes at CLC
LOCAL EDUCATION WITHIN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
No matter what country you call home, you are welcome at CLC.
107 international students, representing 40+ countries, a 22% increase over the prior year
• Short-term and semester-long study abroad programs to more than 10 countries offered
LEARN IN JAPAN FOR FREE
Braeden Scheifele hadn’t considered doing a study abroad trip before coming to CLC – he didn’t even know it was an option. When he learned about the possibility, he recognized it would benefit his career goal of doing fieldwork in foreign countries and decided to do a short-term trip to Japan. He received the prestigious U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to finance his trip.
• Cultural excursions to South Korea, Poland, England and other locations are available for community members
COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY IS THE COLLEGE LAUNCHING CHAMPIONS
Student life is vibrant and diverse, offering countless opportunities for personal growth, leadership and community engagement. Everyone benefits from CLC’s inclusive and equitable campus community through programs focused on multicultural education, advocacy and social justice. With more than 25 clubs and organizations, students are actively involved in shaping their campus experience.
• Cultural and Educational Engagement: Celebrated opening of El Centro in Fall 2023; student leaders attended the 2024 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity
• Academic Excellence: Award-winning Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Alpha Pi Chapter recognized as a 5-Star Chapter and for their work on “The College Project”
• Technical Excellence: 36 students competed in Skills USA competitions at the state and national level, winning 12 gold medals, four silver medals, four bronze medals and three honorable mentions at the Illinois competition and one silver medal at the national competition
• Artistic Excellence: Prairie Voices received the highest honor at the 2023 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines contest
RESOURCING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS
Students have access to extensive academic, technical and personal resources to ensure their success. From cost-free learning materials and computer loans to comprehensive health and wellness services, CLC meets students’ diverse needs with personalized, culturally relevant support. These resources help students overcome challenges and thrive in their educational journey.
SAVINGS ON LEARNING RESOURCES
• Textbooks: Saved over $2 million in textbook costs for students. Nearly 150 classes offer cost-free learning materials
• Technology: Loaned 4,500+ technology tools, including laptops, internet hotspots and TI-84 calculators at no cost to students. Nearly 3,500 students served
• Tutoring: Served 2,500 students through 16,000+ free tutoring sessions
• Access & Disability Resource Center: Supported 870+ students across a spectrum of disabilities or other abilities to receive accommodations and multidimensional supports
BASIC NEEDS SUPPORT
• SHARE Market: Supported 750+ students through 6,000 visits for free food and hygiene products at the Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses
• Student Health & Wellness Services: Supported 3,100 free office visits from students and employees
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
• Individual and group therapy: Provided 3,000 mental health appointments with licensed clinicians, benefiting more than 400 students
• Mental health outreach: Provided mental health-focused events on campus, reaching more than 3,000 individuals, a 95% increase from last year
• JED Foundation Partnership: Began working toward JED Campus certification by completing a comprehensive assessment that will lead to a long-term strategy to implement a public health approach to mental well-being
MANUFACTURING THE SKILLED WORKFORCE OF
THE
FUTURE
Lake County is the second largest manufacturing county in Illinois, according to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. CLC’s investments support the regional and national economic growth.
• Launched the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in 2022. In 2023-24 served 461 students – a 55% increase from 2022. The ATC serves as a regional training center for Amatrol
• Launched the Manufacturing Alliance to strengthen partnerships with local industry, foster collaboration and ensure educational programs provide a workforce aligned with the needs of manufacturers
• Launched the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Workforce Challenge initiative to address the shortage of workers entering the manufacturing field
LANCER ATHLETICS
Athletics includes eleven intercollegiate sports, competing at the Division II level within the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. Intramural programs and an adaptive sports program in wheelchair football also promote active lifestyles and inclusion.
• Athletic Team Excellence: Men’s Tennis qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament for a school-record 8th consecutive season, and the Softball program won the Illinois Skyway Conference Championship for the first time since 2003
• Student-Athlete Success: 69 studentathletes earned Illinois Skyway All-Academic All-Conference honors, and 32 received Illinois Skyway All-Conference honors. Additionally, 12 student-athletes earned NJCAA Region 4 All-Region honors
• Community Engagement: Student-athletes completed hundreds of hours of community service in partnership with organizations like Feed My Starving Children and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
• Fitness and Wellness: The Fitness Center and Aerobics Room are popular among students, employees and community members, with 6,278 visits last year
CULTURAL EXPRESSION AND OUTREACH
CLC’s fine and performing arts programs deliver high-quality, culturally relevant experiences for both students and the surrounding communities.
ARTISTIC SHOWCASES
• The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art displayed an impressive 760 pieces of artwork from 248 talented artists
• The 2024 Student Art Exhibition showcased a record-breaking number of 90 works of art, marking the highest level of student participation in one exhibit
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
• The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts welcomed over 26,500 attendees to more than 100 diverse events. These included concerts, theatre and dance performances featuring students, local and national touring artists, the Salute to Gospel Music program and programs presented by community groups
UPLIFTING ART
The halls of the Lakeshore Campus Student Center uplift students thanks to the art installations by Chicago artist Jason Messinger. Selected through the Illinois Art-In-Architecture program, Messinger created a collection of ceramic tile displays inspired by the student population that add to the vibrancy of the campus.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
A member of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, CLC’s efforts are supported by community partners, including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, businesses in every industry sector, government agencies and community networks. Collaboration with these partners results in meaningful connections that achieve mutually beneficial outcomes across Lake County.
• 78% of graduates of the Class of 2023 were employed within one year of graduating
• 332 businesses and institutions were represented across 37 academic advisory committees
• 593 community members serve on CLC advisory committees
• 69 apprenticeships offered with 19 employers
“I am very grateful for the ongoing partnership Advocate Health Care has with College of Lake County. The college is truly dedicated to helping students and graduates find employment opportunities that match their skills and interests.”
– Katy King, Senior Talent Sourcing Specialist, Advocate Health Care
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE
Fiscal sustainability is critical to fulfilling CLC’s vision and commitment to the communities and residents of Lake County. CLC continues to maintain a Aaa bond rating demonstrating its strong financial policy. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is the result of a rigorous process that ensures prudent use of existing resources to achieve institutional priorities and a balanced budget.
2025 Annual Budget Operating Funds Revenue:
2.34%
$3,042,212
All Other Revenue
Including interest income and building rentals
8.19%
$10,658,371
State Funding 2.08%
$2,700,000
All Other Revenue
Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax
23.46%
$30,522,540
Student Tuition and Fees
$83,167,029
Local Funding
Lake County residents owning homes valued at $300K paid approximately $294 in property taxes to CLC for 2023 taxes
MISSION
College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves.
VISION
College of Lake County is a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions.
VALUES
Excellence | Purpose | Integrity | Compassion | Unity | Inclusion
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Access & Success | Equity & Inclusion | Teaching & Learning Excellence
Community & Workforce Partnerships
Collaborative Culture | Strategic Use of Resources
The Community Impact Report is published annually by Public Relations & Marketing. September 2024/3500
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D. Chair
Paul G. Virgilio, B.S., S.E., P.E. Vice Chair
Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T. Secretary
William M. Griffin, Ed.D.
Amanda D. Howland, J.D.
Julie B. Shroka, M.A.
Gerri Songer, M.A.
Sulma Teruel
Student Trustee
Lori Suddick, Ed.D.
President
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Richard A. Anderson, J.D.
William M. Griffin, Ed.D. (2021-2023)
Patricia Jones, M.Ed.
Barbara D. Oilschlager, M.Ed.