IVCC not selected for manufacturing academy

Despite local support to create the Central Illinois Manufacturing Academy with three other community colleges, Illinois Valley Community college’s proposal was not selected by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that Heartland Community College and Southwestern Illinois College will be awarded $7.5 million each in DCEO funding to establish manufacturing academies.

“Although we are disappointed, the collegial process of pulling everyone and everything together was very worthwhile. I have no doubt parts of our plan will move forward one way or another,” IVCC President Jerry Corcoran said.

“I am proud of our board’s support of our consortium’s plan and happy to extend a tip of the hat from all of us to our friends at Heartland and SWIC on a job well done,” Corcoran added.

IVCC’s plan generated support letters from 17 district manufacturers, nine mayors, five chambers of commerce, five community-based organizations, an economic development director, two legislators and 15 superintendents.

IVCC, Illinois Central, Lincoln Land and Spoon River teamed up in IVCC’s application.