Ready to transform how your students access college-level learning? EdSystems invites you to explore Illinois’ dual credit opportunities and discover practical tools for building programs that truly accelerate student achievement.
Join us for a guided introduction to the resources and insights on implementing high-quality career development experiences in this free webinar.
The Success Network Policy Committee’s 2025 Q2 meeting featured legislative updates, emerging findings from the College and Career Pathway Endorsement workgroup, and new resources.
This webinar from ICCB and EdSystems shared a new repository of field-tested CBE resources and insights from community college leaders implementing workforce-aligned industrial maintenance and welding programs.
The Illinois State Board of Education and EdSystems shared an introduction to transitional instruction, which was established by the 2016 Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act and increases college readiness for high school seniors and reduces remedial education needs.
The Success Network’s annual conference featured national, state, and regional leaders sharing best practices and lessons learned for advancing equitable postsecondary attainment.
This webinar, hosted by the Success Network and presented by JFF, shared emerging national research and new tools that can support the development of pathways that lead not only to careers, but to connection and choice.
The Success Network hosted representatives from the Michigan College Access Network and the Michigan Department of Education to share their new toolkit for sharing the benefits of college in high school opportunities with students and families.
On February 19, 2025, practitioners gathered to discuss challenges, successes, and best practices in navigating work-based learning legalities and logistics, particularly for students under age 18.
Cherry Creek School District and Naperville Community Unit School District 203 shared how they implement in-house internship opportunities for high school students.
The I-WIN community discussed the challenges, successes, and best practices in offering in-house work-based learning opportunities.
Fulton High School hosted the I-WIN community for an in-person tour of the Steamer Suite, a rentable event space that doubles as an in-house work-based learning opportunity for culinary arts, business, industrial arts, and media publications pathway students.
The Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee quarterly meeting featured presentations on chronic absenteeism and a student-led survey of student experience with college and career readiness opportunities.
At the Success Network Policy Committee’s annual data deep dive on January 23, 2025, we explored a range of college and career readiness and success metrics from Illinois data resources and beyond.
On January 27, EdSystems hosted a webinar to launch our new policy agenda to improve student access and success in Illinois.
Join the I-WIN community on December 17, 2024, to discuss systems and processes to support work-based learning holistically.
The Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee’s meeting on December 11, 2024, included presentations on labor market information for use in college and career pathways, Illinois Report Card data, and career exploration for middle school students.
Valley View School District is taking work-based learning to the next level with three exciting new initiatives. On November 14, 2024, I-WIN showcased how the district is deepening their understanding of and support for stakeholders while increasing career development experiences.
At an informal roundtable on building and strengthening employer partnerships, the I-WIN community shared insights, resources, and best practices with fellow work-based learning practitioners.
In this Success Network webinar, a panel of experienced transfer specialists shared best practices for institutional partnerships, promoting transfer opportunities, and supporting transfer student success.
I-WIN made an in-person site visit to CareerSpark, an annual interactive career exploration event for 8th grade students in the Peoria region.
Join us for the Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee’s quarterly convening on September 25, 2024.
On September 10, 2024, I-WIN shared new resources to support work-based learning practitioners in designing career exploration activities and embedding essential employability competencies.
On September 3, 2024, I-WIN provided an introduction to work-based learning fundamentals. Better understand the resources and communities available to support work-based learning practitioners.
Watch the recording of the Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee’s quarterly convening on June 4, 2024.
On May 21, 2024, the EdSystems team introduced changes to eight Model Programs of Study Guides and how to share your public comment.
On May 29, 2024, I-WIN discussed insights, best practices, and resources to address challenges to providing credit and teacher allocations for internships.
On May 20, 2024, two students presented insights on their paid micro-internship exploring math beyond the classroom setting. We also provided an overview of the general micro-internship model.
The May 9, 2024, showcase of the Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways (STAMP) initiative featured participating collaboratives from regions across Illinois sharing how they are creating high-quality and equitable manufacturing pathways to help meet the demand for skilled manufacturing workers in Illinois.
How can we ensure high quality, continuous improvement, and equity in work-based learning opportunities? On April 29, 2024, our statewide advisory group shared insights from a new resource for stakeholders, now open for public comment.
On April 29, 2024, the Success Network hosted JFFLabs, who shared new insights into the ways in which AI will transform jobs that offer pathways to economic advancement – and actionable recommendations for the skills that will be augmented and elevated by AI.
On April 25, 2024, we provide an overview of the new “Quality Criteria for College and Career Pathways Implementation” document, which is now available for public comment.
Join the Success Network or a free webinar to learn how stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement can strengthen postsecondary success and impact the broader school community and culture.
Join us on April 16 for an engaging virtual workshop designed for those who design and implement work-based learning efforts and are eager to explore the world of AI tools!
On April 4, 2024, work-based learning leaders gathered virtually for a discussion to share insights, best practices, and resources to address challenges related to student recruitment for job shadows.
The Success Network Policy Committee meeting on March 20, 2024, included a walkthrough of the Success Network Dashboard’s new early college view and updated functionalities, the proposed budget, and emerging legislation.
On March 19, 2024, Genesys Works and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, along with their high school partners, shared how they collaborate to design and implement inclusive and equitable experiences for students.
On March 18, 2024, two Illinois communities shared how they are supporting high school students in career development experiences, including internships and apprenticeships, in manufacturing.
Join us Thursday, February 29, 2024, for the Illinois Education and Career Success Network’s 11th annual conference, themed Awareness to Action: Promoting Equity in Education and Careers. This year’s in-person, one-day conference will be held at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois.
On February 21, 2024, North Kansas City Schools shared their approach to ensuring a comprehensive and effective professional learning experience for students at every grade level, including the establishment of leadership structures and councils, operational and communication/tracking systems, teacher supports, and innovative opportunities for business-industry collaboration.
On February 8, 2024, I-WIN hosted its second session in an ongoing discussion of leveraging AI in work-based learning. Margaret Janke from the Wilco Area Career Center shared how they are utilizing diverse AI tools in crafting materials, designing experiences, and enhancing student engagement within the context of work-based learning.
The Success Network Policy Committee convened to look deeper into the Illinois Report Card 2022–23 data and other data surrounding the state’s P-20 pipeline.
Review the recording and resources from the December 6, 2023 meeting of the full Success Network Policy Committee.
On December 5, 2023, work-based learning leaders discussed how to use ChatGPT to prompt innovative solutions, including hands-on time to generate new resources.
On November 8, 2023, communities shared how they are working with their school’s master scheduling team on flexible options to incorporate professional learning experiences.
On November 10, 2023, a faculty panel shared pain points and epiphanies from the recent CBE Backward Design Community, plus ICCB and EdSystems shared student insights and findings from the upcoming Lessons Learned report.
On October 19, 2023, Success Network Leadership Communities shared lessons learned in implementing learning renewal efforts.
On September 19, 2023, the Iowa Department of Education shared strategies for integrating work-based learning within coursework and tracking the activities.
Review the recording and resources from the September 13, 2023 meeting of the full Success Network Policy Committee.
The first-of-its-kind Illinois Career Pathways Dictionary now includes expanded and updated definitions as well as resources and implementation guidance on a new website, pathwaysdictionary.org.
On October 31, three communities shared their innovative approaches for advising students, especially those from underrepresented groups, as they pursue career pathways.
Review the recording and resources from the June 6, 2023 meeting of the full Success Network Policy Committee.
Teachers in the performance-based assessment pilot shared their projects and the process of creating them, highlighting how performance-based assessments can be used across disciplines and with students from a range of backgrounds with a variety of characteristics.
Illinois Math Badging Initiative pilot sites showcased their plans for using badges, demonstrating the flexibility of the badges and incredibly thoughtful ways of employing them.
On May 23, 2023, we shared best practices, community models, and resources for supporting young women to pursue experiences in manufacturing. This session also shared insights and feedback gathered from female high school and college students on what they want to see in these efforts.
On May 9, 2023, leaders from Ridgewood High School, Triton College, Waubonsee Community College, and Elgin Community College shared how they are hosting regional team-based challenges in education, manufacturing, and health sciences.
On April 27, 2023, Collinsville Area Vocational Center shared how it facilitates Career Development Experiences through school-based enterprise models in building trades, auto mechanics, food service, education, and health sciences.
Review the recording and resources from the March 23, 2023 meeting of the full Success Network Policy Committee.
Find out how your school district or college can support manufacturing pathway students in applying for a new scholarship.
Are you looking for ways to integrate robotics into your broader goals for student learning? Robotics is a machine that will build the people who will change the world and our future for the better.
The Success Network Policy Committee reviewed data, including secondary measures and postsecondary transition measures at an annual data deep dive convening on January 25, 2023.
Review the recording and resources from the December 14, 2022 launch meeting of the full Success Network Policy Committee.
Celebrating the Illinois Education and Career Success Network’s tenth anniversary, join us at the annual conference to be equipped and inspired to advance equitable postsecondary attainment across Illinois.
On December 14, 2022, Valley Education for Employment System shared how it is engaging employers in their region to be prepared to host and support young people in work-based learning opportunities, including internships.
On November 17, 2022, we showcased three Illinois communities that piloted a multigenerational Health Sciences Career Exploration event: Greater Joliet Area YMCA, Rush Education and Career Hub, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
On November 2, 2022, Liz Rush of Clairemont High School in San Diego, California, shared the school’s continuum of work-based learning, including a mentor program and internship opportunities available to students.
The Facilitation Guide supports communities through the process of creating and maintaining successful Career Development Experiences.
On July 18, 2022, we heard from District 214 about its work-based learning continuum for the business sector.
On June 27, 2022, leaders from California-based Climate Action Pathways for Schools shared their model for inspiring and implementing climate education programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money for school districts.
Download drafts for the Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides in Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Human and Public Services plus a newly revised Education Guide.
On June 2, 2022, CBE teachers from Chicago Public Schools shared how they have designed performance-based assessments that address real-world and real-community inequities that resonate with students.
Hear experiences and learnings from communities participating in ISBE’s Career Exploration and Career Development Experience Pilot.
View the webinar recording for the Model Programs of Study Guide in Arts and Communications, sponsored by ICCB.
On March 22, 2022, Science Olympiad shared how they work with industry and school partners to support and design opportunities in IT.
View the webinar recording for the Model Programs of Study Guide in Finance and Business Services, sponsored by ICCB.
View the spring webinar on competency-based education in Illinois community colleges, hosted by ICCB and EdSystems.
On February 28–March 3, 2022, the Illinois Education and Career Success Network delivered high-quality content to a record-setting attendance of 767 educators, administrators, policymakers, students, and leaders.
On February 16, 2022, we shared experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the manufacturing sector, with guest presenters from Ridgewood High School and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association.
View the webinar recording for an overview the Model Programs of Study Guide in IT, sponsored by ICCB.
View the webinar recording for the Model Programs of Study Guide in Architecture, Construction, and Energy, sponsored by ICCB.
View the webinar recording for the Model Programs of Study Guide in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, sponsored by ICCB.
Senior Program Manager of Competency-Based Education Damarr Smith of Chicago Public Schools and Senior Fellow Ginger Reynolds of EdSystems co-presented a session at Equity First: the annual conference of the Illinois Education and Career Success Network.
On November 16, 2021, we focused on experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the education sector with guests from the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition and Educators Rising.
View a webinar overview of the Model Programs of Study Guide in Manufacturing & Engineering, sponsored by ICCB.
The Chicago Equity-Centered Innovation Forum’s fall convening built on the ongoing work CPS is doing to support its competency-based education (CBE) schools to incorporate adaptive competencies into the curriculum and integrate social-emotional learning instruction.
View the webinar overview of the Model Programs of Study Guide in Education, sponsored by ICCB.
On September 28, 2021, the Illinois 60 by 25 Network Organizers and partners discussed strategies to engage adult learners to increase postsecondary attainment equity in Illinois.
View the webinar recording for the Model Programs of Study Guide in Health Sciences and Technology, sponsored by ICCB.
On September 20, 2021, we shared experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the health sciences sector, with guests from Whiteside Area Career Center, District 211, and Danville Area Community College.
Learn how Illinois students earning a College and Career Pathway Endorsement in education can access a unique Golden Apple Scholar opportunity.
In summer 2021, we hosted a three-part workshop series for designing career exploration, team-based challenges, and career development experiences.
The CEIF kick-off on May 27, 2021, explored options for extended learning using competency concepts as a more equitable strategy for credit recovery.
On May 25, 2021, the Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council in Evanston and North Chicago Community High School shared their processes to shift typically in-person work-based learning events to fully virtual opportunities.
On April 20, 2021, Alignment Rockford and Chicago Public Schools shared how they engage with partners who host work-based learning experiences including recruitment, ongoing support, and celebration of their partnerships.
On March 9, 2021, we shared lessons and insights from the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership and reviewed emerging ISBE expectations for reporting related to the College and Career Readiness Indicator, the College and Career Pathways Endorsement, and Perkins.
Join us February 22–25, 2021, for “Forward Together – Navigating Uncertainty and Advancing to 60% by 2025,” a free, virtual conference.
On January 21, 2021, we reviewed the Brookings report on how work-based learning can advance equity and opportunity, and heard from Here to Here on the value and impact of work-based learning to address educational equity and opportunity gaps.
On December 1, 2020, we shared an overview of career development experiences and heard from BJC Healthcare and Woodruff Career & Technical Center.
On October 28, 2020, we launched I-WIN with an overview of work-based learning plus guest speakers from Career Connect Washington, GCAMP, and Science Olympiad shared experiences and resources.
Covid-19 “disruptions” can offer new opportunities for moving toward personalization and competency-based approaches.
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