Volume 03 | March 2021
COMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
AMERICORPS WEEK

COMPACT is celebrating AmeriCorps Week! We current host two AmeriCorps VISTA Members who support McLean County's overarching goal to have 60% of the population with a postsecondary credential by 2025 while focusing on equitable access to success.

AmeriCorps Week is a celebration of all things AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers served at more than 1500 locations across Illinois, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. 
Ag Awareness Breakfast

Thursday, March 18, 2021
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Virtual via Zoom

Registration is Free to attend!

The McLean County Chamber of Commerce Agri-business Council invites you to celebrate and show support for agriculture education and the advancement of agriculture in our community during the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Virtual Agriculture Awareness Breakfast.

The breakfast highlights FFA Service Award Winners, Maitland Scholarship Fund Recipients, and will feature a keynote address. 
Year in Review Report

COMPACT experienced a year of reimaging and growth in 2020. While 2020 was a year like not other, our COMPACT Board and volunteers with the support of our Investors allowed us to continue to build out our program of work.

We look forward to working with you in 2021 as COMPACT continues to build increased community collaborations and grows a robust, diverse, and work ready talent pipeline in McLean County.
NEXSTEM Scholarship

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the NexSTEM program awards 4-year, Science, technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholarships to talented Heartland Community College, Illinois State University, and Illinois Wesleyan University applicants who have significant financial need.
 
Currently recruiting for the 2021 co-hort!
FORWARD TOGETHER: THE ILLINOIS 60 BY 25 NETWORK CONFERENCE RECAP

Webinar recordings and shared resources from Forward Together are now available. Plenary and breakout sessions equipped attendees on how to navigate through uncertain times advancing equity as we work to achieve our shared goal of 60% postsecondary attainment by 2025.

COMPACT Manager had the pleasure to present on "The Commerce Connection: Collaborating With Your Chamber of Commerce to Reach Local Employers." Check out our LinkedIn page for the presentation!
UPCOMING EVENTS
THINGS TO KNOW
  • Check out local job opportunities with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Community Job Board.
  • BNSTEM: Contest Opportunity. The goal of STEM Stop is to think about spaces outside of the classroom where youth can learn about STEM, make connections within their community, and begin to form or continue to shape their STEM identity. Submissions must be received by March 19th at 5 pm.

  • The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce released a report analyzing data from the Household Pulse Survey. The report highlighted that student access to computers improved, but access to the internet and broadband did not. In addition, low-income students have less live contact with teachers than their more affluent peers. 


  • The Golden Apple Scholarship application is open. Golden Apple prepares teachers for rural, suburban and urban schools-of-need in Illinois through their Scholars and Accelerators programs. Golden Apple Scholars receive up to $23,000 in financial assistance for college. Learn more by signing up for an information session. Sessions will be held every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. until March 30.
  • ROE #17 will be hosting a cohort for teachers and counselors pursuing National Board Certification during the 2021-2022 school year. This cohort will meet 12 times throughout the school year and is led by a trained National Board Certified Teacher who will guide teachers through the process at no cost. The state offers a subsidy to pay for all fees associated with becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. Apply for the subsidy from March 1, 2021 until May 10, 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