Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) aims to bridge the gap between high schools in southwestern Illinois and postsecondary education, supporting a seamless transition to community college. By creating structured, regional college and career pathways, the initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds—particularly those who are from low-income families, historically marginalized populations, experiencing homelessness, or living with disabilities. The goal is to enhance educational opportunities, increase postsecondary enrollment, and equip students with the skills and support they need to thrive in their careers. The initiative will support the development of college and career pathways for the healthcare and manufacturing industry sectors.
Our Role
In 2025, EdSystems provided strategic counsel and support to SWIC to develop a comprehensive college and career pathway system aligned with Illinois’ College and Career Pathway Endorsement framework and built on EdSystems’ work with state agency partners to develop the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides. As a part of this process, EdSystems consulted with the college and partner districts to identify strategic early college courses that provide a broad foundation of knowledge important to that industry area and are feasible for dual credit delivery and CTE alignment. EdSystems then developed regional college and career pathway maps that include general education courses (e.g., science, social science, math, English), CTE courses, and work-based learning opportunities for grades 9–14, incorporating both strategic early college and transitional instruction opportunities. The maps will serve as models that SWIC’s partner high school districts can implement as-is or further customize based on local capacities and demands.
Additionally, EdSystems supported SWIC and its school district and industry partners in defining a comprehensive work-based learning continuum and identifying opportunities to host or support regional opportunities.
