By ULLIN, IL (December 18, 2025) – Shawnee Community College (SCC) has been awarded a combined $542,000 in state grant funding to expand hands-on training, workforce development, and student support services across the district.
The College received:
- $280,000 through the Taking Back the Trades Round 4 Grant, and
- $262,000 through the Innovative Bridges and Transitions Grant.
Together, the grants will fund the acquisition of a mobile innovation lab designed to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Allied Health and Nursing programs, expand dual credit opportunities, support workforce and community education, and strengthen wrap-around student support services.
The mobile innovation lab will bring hands-on simulation training directly to students and communities, traveling to district high schools, Shawnee Community College extension centers, and community events. This approach removes barriers to access while providing real-world learning experiences aligned with high-demand career pathways.
“This investment allows us to meet students where they are,” said Kristy Stephenson, Dean of Career and Technical Education. “By taking training on the road, we can expand access to high-quality, hands-on education and strengthen our partnerships with schools, employers, and communities throughout our district.”
The mobile lab will play a key role in connecting education to workforce needs, supporting both traditional students and adult learners seeking new skills, certifications, or career transitions.
These grants reflect Shawnee Community College’s ongoing commitment to empowering learners, enriching communities, and building a strong regional workforce.