Volume 12 | December 2020
COMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
HAPPY HOLIDAYS & THANK YOU!

THANK YOU! We know a simple thank you is not enough to show our appreciation and sincere gratitude to our 2020 investors, COMPACT Board Members, Volunteers, Events Sponsors, and Supporters like you! We could not do what we do without your generous contributions of your time, talents, and resources. Thank you for having an impact on workforce development in McLean County.

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to partnering with you in 2021.
Interested in helping us advance our mission? A financial investment in COMPACT helps to grow a robust, diverse and work-ready talent pipeline in McLean County. Please join us in our efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution. 
UPCOMING EDUCATION TO EMPLOYER ROUNDTABLE

Post-Secondary Workforce Development:
Current Gaps and Immediate Needs

Wednesday, Dec. 9th at 4 :00 pm

This session will focus on ways we can connect educators, employers, and community stakeholders focused on post-secondary (college & post-secondary vocational/technical training) workforce development.

The main question being asked: "What are your needs and where should we as a community focus our efforts?"
Economic Impact Study of Wind and Solar Energy

December 8, 2020 @ 8:00 am


Please join the Chamber via FaceBook live for a special presentation and unveiling of the first-ever county-level comprehensive economic study of wind and solar energy economic benefits in Illinois, prepared by Dr. Loomis with Illinois State University.

Dr. Loomis' presentation will provide important insight for business and educational leaders alike, into how our growing renewables industry will shape the future of the economy across Central Illinois
UPCOMING EVENTS



December 17th: STEAM Challenge Workshops: Elves Make Shop: Children's Discovery Museum

A two-day virtual conference hosted by the Learning Technology Center and the Illinois State Board of Education
THINGS TO KNOW
  • Learning about Careers from Home: The National Center for College and Career created Day at Work videos to showcase types of careers in six different occupation categories. In addition to career videos, there are also videos on pathways, work-based learning and teacher resources.

  • Analyzing and Reflecting on Education Trends: Inside Higher Education shared current trends in K-12 learning to predict what higher education will look like post-pandemic. Key trends include prioritizing equity, addressing nonacademic barriers to student success and having more of a skills and outcomes focus.
  • The Illinois Wesleyan Associates, a group of local community, business leaders and IWU alumni have established the McLean County Scholarship fund. High school students in the graduating class of 2021 who are residents of McLean County* and an accepted student at Illinois Wesleyan University will be offered a total scholarship package of at least $30,000 per year.

  • Connecting the Dots is a webinar series and website designed to support teachers and families in navigating the uncharted terrain of remote and hybrid learning during COVID-19. Brought to you by Illinois State University's College of Education, and open to all, this site is here to provide the latest approaches positively influencing teaching and learning.
  • The Olive Foster Outstanding Teaching Award is designed to recognize and reward a full-time teacher for outstanding contributions to the study and teaching of state and local history. Documentation of the teacher's work is required. A $1,000 award will be given in 2021 to an Illinois teacher from one of the following categories (1) elementary school level, (2) middle-junior high school level, and (3) high school level. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2021. 
  • Keep up to date on COVID-19 in McLean County through the BN Prepared website. The website includes resources and information for employees, the community and employers.
For information about COMPACT or information in this newsletter
contact Jancy LaFollette,Workforce Development/COMPACT Manager
STAY CONNECTED