The information technology (IT) sector is rapidly expanding, shaping industries and economies across Illinois and beyond. As technology evolves, demand for skilled professionals in software engineering, data analytics, and emerging tech fields continues to rise.1 Illinois community colleges are responding to this need, offering over 400 certificate and degree programs and producing nearly 6,000 IT graduates annually.2 However, ensuring that students are equipped with both foundational and specialized skills remains a critical challenge.
Illinois’ information technology (IT) pathway programs have been expanding across Illinois to meet workforce demands and equip students at younger ages with critical skills. These programs are designed to prepare students for the evolving tech landscape by developing competencies in communications, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, programming, networking, web development, and more.3
These programs have increasingly emphasized hands-on experiences and real-world applications through work-based learning opportunities, equipping students with both technical expertise and critical thinking skills. This year, several high schools received approval for their College and Career Pathway Endorsements in IT, showcasing strong community models of work-based learning. Several high schools have shared their community models for career awareness, exploration, team-based challenges, and career development experiences, offering valuable examples for other communities to learn from and implement.
This has led to the development of a comprehensive continuum of work-based learning experiences in information technology, featured on our Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network resource hub for all to engage with and learn from as they build out and improve their IT offerings. These resources are designed to support educators and communities in developing and enhancing their IT programs without having to start from scratch.
We invite you to explore the new IT continuum, engage with proven models, and learn from the experiences of others. By building on existing successes and adapting best practices to fit your needs, you can continue to strengthen and enhance your IT programming, ultimately providing even more valuable opportunities for students.
In Partnership With
This work would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of our community partners who bring this continuum to life: Herrin CUSD 4, Huntley High School, District #158, Belvidere D100, North Grand High School, and Naperville District 203.
