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Illinois Central College Recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2025 Leader College

by Amanda Lewis

East Peoria, IL (02/20/2025) — Illinois Central College (ICC) has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities. ICC is among just 15 Colleges in the nation to receive this prestigious designation, a testament to its sustained improvements in their student success outcomes.

ICC earned this honor through strategic efforts to enhance student persistence rates-particularly among African American and part-time students-while also closing performance gaps for minority students. The College has reduced the equity gap for Hispanic students by nearly 10% and transformed its approach to developmental education, reducing placement in these courses by 66% through innovative strategies designed to eliminate barriers to student success. Additionally, the College's programs, such as the IT Workforce Accelerator and the Workforce Equity Initiative, continue to strengthen the regional economy by preparing students for high-demand careers.

Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of ICC, said, "We are honored to receive this national recognition, which affirms our commitment to student success and economic mobility for Central Illinois. At ICC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their educational and career goals, and we have worked tirelessly to implement data-driven initiatives that break down barriers to achievement. This designation as a Leader College underscores the transformative impact of our efforts and the dedication of our faculty and staff. By expanding access, fostering equity, and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive, ICC is not just changing the trajectories of individual lives-we are strengthening our entire community."

As a Leader College, ICC will play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. Leader Colleges are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. These colleges develop innovative ways to work with peers to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

"We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success," said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. "These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network."

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About Achieving the DREAM

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work - from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K-12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes - so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.

About Illinois Central College

Illinois Central College is a two-year community college with campuses in East Peoria, Peoria and Pekin, Illinois, providing a high-quality, affordable education to prepare students to enter the workforce or to transfer to a four-year institution. ICC is the 2020 awardee of the National Community College Charles Kennedy Equity Award from ACCT, a 2022 and 2025 EDA Good Job Challenge Institution, and the Lead College for the state of Illinois' Workforce Equity Initiative. ICC also conducts original research in agricultural fields, including water quality and soil conservation. For more information, visit icc.edu.

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