Volume 05 | August 2019
NexSTEM Program - Scholarships Available!
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the NexSTEM program will provide four-year scholarships to approximately 70 academically successful, low income students from McLean county and the surrounding areas who are committed to pursuing STEM degrees at Heartland Community College (HCC), Illinois State University (ISU), or Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU).

Successful applicants will be awarded scholarships of up to $10,000 a year for four years, with the exact amount determined by the student's financial need and the college's cost of attendance. Scholarship recipients who begin their college educations at HCC and then transfer to ISU or IWU will have their scholarship transfer with them. In addition to receiving financial support, scholarship recipients will be part of a mentoring network and gain real world experience by participating with faculty and peers in STEM research projects that serve the McLean county community. 

Up to 12 scholarships at each institution are expected to be given to students entering college in Fall of the 2020-2021 school year. Minimum eligibility requirements include Pell-eligible, central Illinois resident, demonstrated academic achievement, and full-time college student pursuing an eligible STEM major. To learn more about the NexSTEM program, eligibility criteria, and the application process, see NexSTEM.org or contact Dr. Sheri Glowinski, Director of NexSTEM, sglowins@iwu.edu
FALL EDUCATION TO EMPLOYER SUMMIT
SAVE THE DATE!

Fall Education to Employer Summit will be held the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Heartland Community College's Astroth Community Education Center.

Join COMPACT for an afternoon discussion regarding innovative approaches industry, community, and higher education are undertaking to meet the ever changing demands of talent pipeline development in McLean County.
Becoming BN Season Wraps-Up
Feedback Welcome
The 2019 season will wrap with our Closing Party on August 6, 2019 at Miller Park. More information can be found on our website.

Becoming BN was a summer program lead by our Student Retention Taskforce, specifically designed for ALL summer interns in McLean County to learn more about the wonderful attributes Bloomington-Normal has to offer.
 
As we review the program and prepare for the 2020 program year we are seeking feedback. If you had interns participate in a weekly event please ask them to participate in our FEEDBACK SURVEY.
ESSENTIAL WORKPLACE SKILLS (EWS)
Essential Workplace Skills (EWS) co-developed by COMPACT and Heartland Community College next workshop session "Using Effective Tools for Decision-Making & Goal Setting" will take place on August 9th. Register today!

Essential Workplace Skills (EWS) workshops were built with input from industry professional and expert coaches. Coming up next:

-Navigating Challenge and Stressors: September 13, 2019
-Understanding Customer Service Essentials: October 18, 2019

Register by calling 309-268-8160. More information can be found online at http://heartland.edu/continuingEd
Are you in "The Loop"?
BN STEM has createdThe Loop, offering monthly networking events that allow local educators to experience STEM within McLean County. Explore a manufacturing plant, tour a hospital, take a hay rack ride through a farm, etc.....all while learning about the various careers within, career pathways, and the skills needed to work in those fields. STEM resides within all disciplines, so we encourage all K-12 Educators to join! More information and registration can be found on BN STEM website.
SAVE THE DATES
ISU Part-Time Job Fair
August 29, 2019
@ the Bone Student Center

No charge to employers.

Illinois Wesleyan University Fall Career Fair - Sept. 23rd
IWU Fall Career Fair 2019 will be held at the IWU Shirk Center on September 23, 2019 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, all registrations must be received by September 9th.

BACC 8th Grade Career Expo- Oct. 23rd
The Bloomington Area Career Center would like to invite your company to participate in the 13 th annual Career Expo.

Each company will be given a booth where you talk to students about career possibilities in your respective field, as well as provide a hands on activity where the student can “try” the career. 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE CORNER
For information about COMPACT or information in this newsletter
contact Jancy LaFollette ,Workforce Development Manager