Join the Program of Study Working Groups

Secondary and postsecondary educators and workforce leaders are invited to participate in a series of working groups that will convene beginning in January 2026 as part of an initiative to align Illinois’ programs of study. Led by EdSystems in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board and Illinois State Board of Education, this effort aims to unify the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides and the ISBE CTE Model Programs of Study into a single, integrated framework. Our goal is to strengthen alignment between secondary and postsecondary education while responding to Illinois’ evolving workforce needs.

Why Participate?

  • Help create clear, structured career pathways for students and educators.
  • Ensure alignment with high-demand industries and labor market priorities in Illinois.
  • Shape the development of a unified model supporting seamless transitions from high school CTE programs to community colleges and four-year institutions.

Working Group Details

  • Working groups will focus on education, information technology, and healthcare sectors. You will select at least one sector to participate in.
  • Participate in 3 to 4 working group meetings. Activities will include mapping similarities and gaps, developing integration recommendations, reviewing draft frameworks, and providing feedback.
  • Convenings are designed to facilitate cross-sector collaboration, gather actionable insights, and build consensus among educators, administrators, and industry partners.

Timeline

  • Kickoff convening and crosswalk analysis sharing: January 14, 12–1 p.m. or January 16, 9–10 a.m.
  • Working group meetings by sector: January through March 2026
  • Statewide webinar and public feedback period: March through April 2026
  • Final design convening and adoption planning: April through June 2026

The application is now closed. Thank you for your interest.

Register by January 14, 2026

Keep Reading

Preparing for Take-off: The Illinois Launch Pilot

Five Illinois community colleges have officially joined the Illinois Launch pilot initiative, committing to piloting a new approach to simplifying the admissions and financial aid process for students across the state.

Advancing IT Pathways: Plainfield’s Foundations of IT Course Innovations

As technology roles grow and high-wage IT careers expand across Illinois, districts are reimagining how students, especially those underrepresented in tech, access these opportunities. In Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, that vision is taking shape through new Foundations of IT I & II courses.

Building a Regional Data Collaborative: From Research to Shared Learning

How do we know which initiatives are helping students succeed? EdSystems is partnering with Rock Valley College, Rockford Public Schools, and Belvidere District 100 to answer shared questions through a data collaborative model. Learn what that looks like in practice, and where we’re headed next.

Connect with Us

Interested in partnering with EdSystems or learning more about our work? Start here…

Thank You

Your message has been sent.