CLC Connects Magazine - June 2024

JUNE 2024

CLC CONNECTS

COVER: Daniel Blaine resiliently served multiple terms as College of Lake County student trustee. After studying political science, he aspires to pursue a career in law on his journey toward a brighter future.

table of contents 02

Message from CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick

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Spring Commencement

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Quote Me

Access and Success for Students 03

Changing Course

Strategic Use of Resources 06

Charging Ahead with Electric Cars

Teaching and Learning Excellence 08

Crafting Creative Careers

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Teaching at a Personal Level

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Invigorating Students and Supporting Adjunct Faculty Learning

Equity and Inclusion 10

Access to Early Childhood Education Through Spanish Pathways

Community and Workforce Partnerships 16

Opening Doors for Lake County Youth

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CLC Grows: One College, Three Farms

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MESSAGE FROM CLC PRESIDENT DR. LORI SUDDICK With every issue of CLC Connects, I look forward to sharing stories of the amazing work in pursuit of College of Lake County’s mission. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives an equitable, high-quality education and to build communities in which every resident can thrive.

These stories inspire, give hope and demonstrate the positive transformations that result from the contributions of diverse people focused on solutions and working toward common goals.

Each story encourages me to meet, listen to and talk with the people who are making these transformations happen. Students and community members are learning and collaborating on CLC’s campuses each day, and hearing their personal stories touches my heart. I have heard tales of how spouses met at CLC and how parents and children are attending college together. A student recently introduced herself, saying, “I am fourth-generation CLC.” My response was simply, “Fantastic!”

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve College of Lake County and its surrounding communities. Creating accessible educational opportunities that improve outcomes through community partnerships has generational impact and is a worthy, purposeful way to spend each day.

I welcome you to explore CLC’s campuses, engage in the many experiences available and be a part of the CLC story.

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ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS

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uillermo Medina never expected to get a high

school diploma or attend college. Now, he’s doing both and moving toward a new career, thanks to the adult education program.

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ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS

Without a high school diploma, however, he didn’t qualify for the jobs he wanted.

Around this time Medina’s niece graduated from high school, and he stepped in to help her find information about college.

He learned about CLC, specifically the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan, a five-minute drive from his home. He began thinking, “Why don’t I do something, too?”

Medina enrolled in CLC’s adult education program and began taking classes in 2021 to earn his Illinois high school diploma, which he hopes to complete this summer.

CLC offers free high school diploma classes in English and Spanish, both online and in person. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes are available.

At the same time, Medina began pursuing a career certificate in Criminal Justice through the Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS). This free college program helps students prepare for a career in high-demand fields while they complete their high school diploma or English as a Second Language (ESL) studies.

Guillermo Medina didn’t see going back to school in his future. He left high school in his senior year before graduating to work full time. “At that time in my life, it was the right thing,” recalled Medina. He was living in Chicago, making good money driving a truck and his work kept him busy and out of trouble. “Everything I wanted, I had,” he said.

That changed in 2017 when Medina became seriously ill at the age of 37. The Beach Park resident spent months in the hospital, then recovered, but became ill again with COVID-19. For both illnesses, physicians gave him a 50-50 chance of survival.

He recovered once more, but then his brother died of brain cancer. Medina was devastated and began questioning his life choices. “You know, you just get lost. I’m sitting here, thinking, what do I want to do now? I didn’t want to go back to driving a truck.”

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CLC has more students enrolled and more career certificates available through ICAPS than any other community college in Illinois. In spring 2024, the number of students in career transition programs at CLC nearly doubled from the year before.

MUCH TO LEARN, LOTS OF HELP Medina found the free Bridge to Careers program at CLC especially useful. “That was the program I started in the beginning to acclimate myself to college life,” he explained.

Bridge courses helped him improve his language, math and computer skills so he could succeed in the classroom.

Even so, he found the technology used in college intimidating.

Twenty years ago, everything was pen and paper, recalls Medina, who had limited computer experience.

CLC instructors and staff were patient and willing to help.

With their support, Medina learned how to attend online classes, send emails, use word processing and course management software and much more.

QUESTIONS I HAD WERE ANSWERED. EVERYBODY HERE I’VE COME INTO CONTACT WITH IS WILLING TO HELP.” CLC is committed to removing barriers for adult learners like Medina. “We understand it’s not easy for adult students to stay in class, given family, work and financial challenges.

That’s why our adult education programs are 100 percent funded through Illinois Community College Board grants and the college. This enables us to provide support to help students succeed,” said Dr. Tasha Shell, dean of Adult Education and ESL.

Medina accessed a variety of services offered through the Adult Education program such as a free laptop and Wi Fi hot spot and access to a Student Success Coordinator.

He is motivated to accomplish more. Medina plans to attend CLC full time and complete an associate degree in criminal justice. Eventually, he’d like to work as a forensic interviewer, gathering information to help victims of domestic violence.

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ACCESS AND SUCCESS FOR STUDENTS

“I HAD TO LEARN A LOT OF THINGS AND A LOT OF THE

STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES

CHARGING AHEAD WITH ELECTRIC CARS Automotive technicians have mastered the art of repairing combustion-engine vehicles, but there’s a new player in the market now. Electric vehicles are an alternative that continues to have an increased presence on the road.

According to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm, 1.4 million electric vehicles were sold in 2023 in the United States, 50 percent more than in 2022.

With more electric vehicles on the road, there are more opportunities for maintenance. The Rev Up EV Community 06

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College Initiative grant is helping CLC train workers to perform routine electric vehicle maintenance with a higher level of skill.

“Electric vehicles are very different,” said Automotive Technology Instructor Felipe Valtierra. “They have more advanced technology, a lot of automation, a lot of computers and a lot of networking.”

“Coming into the program, I didn’t think we would learn about electric vehicles,” said Automotive Technology student Melanie Apantenco. “It’s cool we do since this might be the future. Students can graduate with knowledge, and, if they want to, choose working with electric vehicles.”

CAUTION: HIGH VOLTAGE For electric vehicles, CLC focuses on teaching safety.

The program offers professionals in the industry the opportunity to upskill, and those getting their first jobs will have a chance to start at a higher wage.

“I think the increased electric vehicle training would make a big difference for us students,” said student and Automotive Lab Assistant Daniel Lopez. “Working with an electric vehicle is completely different than a regular car.

Once students finish their degree, they’ll be ahead of others without the extra experience.”

CLC plans to add a new track to the associate degree focusing on electric vehicles that goes deeper into working with hybrid and electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicles represent a significant shift not just in technology but in how we prepare our workforce,” said Miguel Mireles, dean of Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences. “The strategic use of resources, like the Rev Up grant, enables us to enhance our curriculum and equip our students with the necessary skills to excel in a rapidly evolving automotive industry.”

“Every manufacturer has their own specific rules and service procedures, so we can’t teach them everything,” said Automotive Technology Instructor Derrek Keesling.

“Students learn a core understanding of high-voltage safety and vehicle service procedures.”

Many extra precautions are required during collision repair.

Workers can’t cut into and take apart electric cars in the same way as combustion-engine vehicles.

“For a conventional or traditional automobile, there aren’t a lot of precautions to take when repairing a vehicle,” said Automotive Collision Repair Instructor Octavio Cavazos.

“In electric vehicles, there’s a lot of high-voltage wiring that goes throughout the car. You can’t just cut anywhere.

We have to know where everything is before we start doing any work.”

The grant helps establish new courses in automotive programs to teach students the skills to work on electric vehicles. The courses will teach students how to disconnect the battery and work with high-voltage wiring, as well as different methods for body painting.

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STRATEGIC USE OF RESOURCES

CLC already includes education about electric vehicles in the automotive technology and automotive collision repair programs. With the $500,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board, CLC will purchase new equipment and technology for student use, like lifts and vehicles, and support instructor and curriculum development.

TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

e v i t a e r c

Crafting

Careers

Creative industries are constantly changing.

Employees are expected to have diverse skillsets to handle a wide variety of projects. The Digital Media and Design program at CLC is tailored to match the types of projects students will encounter in the workplace.

Students can focus on graphic design, animation, digital audio/video production and editing and web development. All these skills are woven into the curriculum.

“Students work collaboratively. We try to mirror the workflow of the industry,” said Instructor Jason Rodgers. “The instructors and I base coursework off our own experience.”

Students work with high-quality equipment routinely updated to fit industry standards. Two computer labs are fitted with the latest software, including Adobe, and a recording studio has high-end microphones and musical instruments. For class projects, students have access to industry-standard video, audio and photography equipment.

Bright future The program can help students move into careers like graphic design and gaming. Opportunities are diverse, with potential jobs in marketing agencies,

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The Digital Media and Design program at CLC prepares students for the dynamic creative industry.

web development companies, animation studios and game development firms.

Rodgers has taught at CLC for five years and has worked as a graphic designer, motion graphics artist, animator and full-time illustrator. Illustration is his passion, but because the creative industry can be challenging to navigate, he, like many current students and graduates, found an entry point that wasn’t exactly what he hoped to do. He discovered that having a well-formed portfolio and skillset is an advantage.

“Students have to stay relentless,” Rodgers said. “A lot of positions are multidisciplinary.

Students could do graphic design but also need to know animation or web development.

When you enter the workforce, companies are looking for well-rounded creative professionals with well-rounded portfolios.”

That’s why a big focus in the program is building a portfolio. CLC alumnus Carlos Curiel, who focused on videography and photography, recognized the benefits of finishing his degree with a strong portfolio that shows off his skills and style.

“Pretty much anything instructors assigned could be part of my professional portfolio, which helped me land jobs during and after school,” Curiel said.

His portfolio helped him secure a job as a photographer at Jostens, a company that produces educational mementos like picture day photos, while still taking classes at CLC. Curiel currently works at Zillow, capturing photography and videography for local homes. He hopes to one day work as a sports videographer.

Keeping it flexible Knowing work experience is vital, instructors reserve space for service learning projects in their curriculum.

When local organizations and partners approach the instructors with projects, students get credit for the work they do.

TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

“Building my portfolio throughout my time in the program, I could make it personal and could choose what I wanted to do.”

In 2023, a representative from AbbVie Innovation Center (AIC) approached Rodgers with a project for his advanced 3D modeling class to create a virtual reality (VR) environment for training physicians. The students developed all the virtual assets, including exam tables and waiting rooms with lighting and textures.

The AIC team wrote the code and returned with VR headsets so the students could interact with what they created.

“That was a great opportunity for the students to not only take on a real project, but also see the finished product,” Rodgers said.

As the digital media and design faculty members continue to foster partnerships within the community, students will benefit from internships and industryspecific project opportunities.

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EQUITY AND INCLUSION

ACCESS TO EARLY

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION THROUGH SPANISH

PATHWAYS

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CLC CONNECTS

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Lake County, like many communities across the state and nation, is experiencing a shortage of qualified educators and early childhood professionals. A body of evidence notes the importance of well-educated early childhood professionals to deliver high-quality programming for young children. Additionally, recent comprehensive studies indicate disparities in educational opportunities leading to a widening gap in the availability of early childhood educators. In Lake County, many households speak a language other than English with many being primarily Spanish-speaking.

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EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Recognizing the need to create access to education and ensure that a qualified workforce is available to meet Lake County needs, College of Lake County launched an innovative early childhood education (ECE) program—fully taught in Spanish—with the support from local community advocates and donors. The first of its kind at CLC, the Spanish language early childhood education program provides equity in access to an educational pathway to earn credentials, benefiting both CLC students and the young community members these future educators will serve. This transformative educational initiative is helping to shape the future of a bilingual early childhood education workforce in Lake County.

A comprehensive study revealing disparities in educational opportunities sparked a collaborative effort among Lake County philanthropists. This prompted long-time community supporters John and Kathy Schreiber to act.

They provided financial support to fund the launch of the Spanish language early childhood education program to bridge the gap and support access to quality education and employment opportunity.

“There is already a contributing workforce in our community seeking to upskill and earn credentials that will provide high-quality early childhood education,” said program coordinator Jenni Cordova Arteaga.

“The program at CLC is an opportunity for them to receive such an education that will translate into stronger foundations for children.”

Currently in its third cohort, the Spanish ECE program at CLC is already a remarkable success. Each new group of students brings their unique experiences to the table.

Participants range from professionals in their home countries seeking a new start, to individuals driven by a passion for teaching. For some of these future educators, the program offers a first chance at earning college credentials, due to the language barriers in higher education institutions, or having the time and money to attend school.

A standout initiative of the program is “Cafecito y Chisme,” which translates to “coffee and chit chat.” This series of gatherings guided by students within the cohort helps foster a sense of community among students. They talk about 12

CLC CONNECTS

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

everything from personal budgeting to digital literacy.

Cafecito y Chisme offers students a platform to share experiences, resources and knowledge.

“When students join, we show them how their language, culture, and identity are valued at CLC, which creates a sense of belonging and empowerment for the student,” said instructor Marcela Calderon Duran. “They become a family and then they go out in the community and sprinkle some of their magic on the children and families they work with.”

The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the classroom.

It is a testament to the power of community engagement, collaboration and the indomitable spirit of those willing to dream big. Students aspire to attain bachelor’s degrees in ECE and master’s degrees in speech pathology or another related field.

“This program has changed lives,” said Education Instructor Dr. Diane Schael, one of the program’s champions. “Not just for the students but for their families and the broader community.

It’s a ripple effect of empowerment, education and hope.”

The future of Spanish early childhood education at CLC is filled with optimism and the program leaders have a clear vision for expansion. With a waitlist of eager participants, the initiative is poised to address the critical need for bilingual early childhood professionals beyond the borders of Lake County.

The Spanish Early Childhood Education program, supported by a grant from Schreiber Philanthropy, stands as a commitment to the belief in the transformative power of education. It demonstrates that, with the right support and vision, futures can be reshaped by removing barriers, un estudiante a la vez.

Early Childhood Education Student Maria Baeza

“Los conocimientos que he adquirido en este proceso no quedan en el papel ni detrás de las cuatro paredes del aula donde se estudian. Salgo y demuestro con acciones lo que he aprendido. Hago una diferencia ayudando a los padres a criar hijos seguros de sí mismos, capaces e independientes, felices.”

“The knowledge that I have acquired in this process does not remain on paper or behind the four walls of the classroom where it is studied. I go out and demonstrate what I have learned.

I make a difference by helping parents raise confident, capable, independent, happy children.”

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TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

NISOD FULL-TIME TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

TEACHING AT A PERSONAL LEVEL Before becoming a teacher, Mick Cullen worked in clinical social work, focusing on people with addictions. Though he enjoyed working one-on-one with clients, he felt like he wanted to impact more people at once.

When a part-time teaching position opened at CLC, Cullen found his calling. As a dedicated instructor with nearly 20 years’ experience in the classroom, he was recognized as CLC’s 2024 full-time recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Teaching Excellence Award.

Cullen describes his teaching style as individualized. He tries to understand where a student is coming from like he would with a client, meeting each person where they are.

“I’m a social worker at heart, and I like working with people,” Cullen said. “Teaching is like social work but with a different focus.

I want my students to know that I’m not much

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different than them. I hope for them to see me as someone they can use as a resource and to serve them rather than just having to meet my expectations.”

He encourages students to bring their own experiences to the table and is conversational and interactive. He wants to make individual connections and learn his students’ stories.

Emmalynn Catalan took a social work class with Cullen.

Coursework included a variety of perspectives, and Catalan says she enjoyed the well-rounded and eye-opening conversations. What really stood out, and what she thinks makes Cullen an excellent instructor, is his passion for the subject.

“He really pushed us to do our best,” Catalan said. “He had us question what we know to help us look deeper into the topics. Every class session was interesting and had me looking forward to it.”

TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

NISOD PART-TIME TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

INVIGORATING STUDENTS AND SUPPORTING ADJUNCT FACULTY LEARNING Crystal Radcliffe always wanted to teach, but she didn’t know she would experience teaching at the college level. She started with a background in elementary education, intending to be a kindergarten teacher. She enrolled in classes at CLC in 2017 to get an endorsement for English as a second language (ESL) so she could set herself apart when applying for elementary jobs.

“When an opportunity to become an adjunct faculty at CLC came about, I jumped at it because it was a great opportunity to build up my teaching skills,” Radcliffe said.

Her love for teaching helped her become CLC’s 2024 part-time recipient of the NISOD Teaching Excellence Award.

Radcliffe is a member of the English language instruction department, teaching academic reading and writing for adult English learners, including many international students.

Radcliffe knows that sometimes students finish class and feel exhausted, but her hope is that students feel invigorated when they leave her class.

Nathan Mayaka said he enjoyed the atmosphere Radcliffe created in the classroom.

He liked that no matter what, she would go out of her way to ensure everyone understood the topic and the instructions.

The more time he spent in her class, the better he felt.

“She knew how to break the ice and make us feel comfortable,” Mayaka said. “She makes sure to help everyone. She’s always smiling, and you can’t feel sad, mad or bad in her class.”

In addition to her teaching role, Radcliffe is CLC’s adjunct faculty development coordinator. This role involves educating instructors, helping adjunct faculty learn about CLC, best teaching practices, educational technologies and student resources.

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

OPENING DOORS FOR

LAKE COUNTY

YOUTH

Thanks to Lake County partnerships and a federal grant, young adults who have faced significant struggles can secure hope for the future.

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

G

rowing up in a single-parent household in Lake County, Steven Panos watched his mother struggle to support her family.

“School was difficult for me because I moved around a lot as a child,” Panos said. “My last year of high school was all about just passing classes so I could be done with it. At the time, I had no desire to further my education.”

Soon after graduating from Warren Township High School in 2016, without a job and feeling hopeless, Panos became addicted to drugs.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and I had every excuse in the world, so why not just dedicate my life to pseudo-happiness?” he explained.

MAKING KEY CONNECTIONS By 2020 – following rehabilitation – Panos was staying in a sober living home in Waukegan. There, he met a former member of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), which operates a YouthBuild program dedicated to vocational training, education and more, who introduced him to opportunities offered by the non-profit. Eventually, Panos earned two construction certifications through YouthBuild, and staff members persuaded him to proceed with his education at College of Lake County.

“The only issue I had with continuing school was the same problem a lot of people face: How was I going to pay my rent if I was in school?” Panos recalled.

Not only did YCC hire him on as its full-time crew after he decided to pursue a degree in business administration at CLC, but YCC also leveraged their partnerships with the Lake County Workforce Development Board and the Job Center of Lake County to subsidize Panos’ wages and tuition, assisting him financially so he could reach his goals.

“I have learned a lot about the business world at CLC through this workforce program,” he said. “I have gained many hard

and soft skills such as public speaking, typing, accounting, management and interpersonal relations. These have already changed the trajectory of my life.”

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor chose the Lake County Workforce Development Board and eight other entities in the country to convene in Washington, D.C. as the inaugural Youth Systems Building Academy (YSBA). The program is designed to “provide training and technical assistance to workforce systems and their community partners to help them explore, design, test, implement or expand approaches to attract young workers and support them once they join the workforce,” according to a Department of Labor press release.

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CONSTRUCTING PRODUCTIVE PATHWAYS “The focus is creating better services for young adults to get them on a career pathway,” said Jennifer Serino, executive director of the Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB). “How do we motivate and get them on a productive path? How do we connect them to education and the workforce? How do we develop a network to better serve them?”

The academy’s target demographic is 18- to 24-year-olds who are not engaged in either the labor force or in education.

About 9,000 people in Lake County fit that description.

Workforce Development also tapped long-time partners – CLC, the Lake County Regional Office of Education, Grayslake Community High School District 127, YouthBuild Lake County, Youth Conservation Corps and the LCWDB member representing the local engineering apprenticeship – to support the academy effort. Said Serino, “We have always leveraged each other’s expertise, but what’s unique here is it wasn’t someone bringing a program to the other – it was us creating an action plan and building it together. You can’t do something like this alone.”

Understanding that an adults-only venture would limit perspectives, the group launched focus groups with young adults to hear their thoughts about the issues they face pertaining to jobs and career paths. The information gathered was invaluable.

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CREATING EMPOWERING ENVIRONMENTS “What people want from work is shifting,” Serino explained.

“Young adults want a work-life balance today. And it’s not easy to capture their interest. They told us, don’t call their phone; they don’t respond to e-mails. You can send them a text, but they won’t get back to you right away.”

Providing experiences for youths is important. For example, thanks to the YSBA partners, a group of high school juniors and seniors recently attended a trade fair at CLC’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in Gurnee, giving

The partners have targeted increasing capacity in youthserving organizations. For example, they introduced a national training group, the Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program, into Lake County. Launched in January with seven other organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County and YouthBuild Lake County, 19 apprentices are going through job training. These young adults will engage in 1,000 hours of on-the-job learning, along with more than 160 hours of coursework.

with wrap-around services offered from academic advising to career counseling and tutoring. Community colleges and career specialists’ guidance can enhance students’ employability and career prospects, ultimately contributing to their long-term success in the workforce.”

Now 25-years-old, Panos graduated from CLC with honors this spring as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in non-profit management at North Park University. He acknowledges it is amazing for him to think how far he has come since hitting bottom.

“What’s funny is when I was in the pursuit of ‘happiness,’ my life was horrible,” Panos said. “Now that I dedicate my time to the success of others, my life has never been better.”

Kimberly Wimer, chair of LCWDB, said, “Young job seekers are one of the hardest-to-reach segments of the talent pipeline. This initiative aims to empower our local youth-serving agencies with the tools and resources they need to effectively support the future workforce.”

Dr. Jacob Cushing, director of student recruitment and onboarding at CLC, emphasized the value of providing many doors of opportunity for young adults from all backgrounds.

“We need to ensure a ‘no-wrong-door’ mentality in connecting Lake County youth and community members with resources and paths to better themselves and their families,” said Cushing. He noted CLC has assigned its college and career navigators to make sure young adults who need extra support are connected to programs directly aligned with their interests and that they receive access to information on how to begin the next step of their educational journey at CLC. “And the ones who are in the door, let’s ensure we get them where they need to be.”

ALIGNING SERVICES THAT DRIVE PERSONAL SUCCESS Claudia Uribe, career specialist at Lake County Workforce Development, is one of the team members who worked with Steven Panos. She said, “Through this unique partnership, Steven’s academic and career goals were proactively aligned JUNE 2024

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

them a chance to meet with representatives from a variety of companies. Holding the event at the ATC was strategic as the programs offered there are designed to boost Lake County’s manufacturing workforce.

COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

One College, Three Farms Much of Lake County sits on rich farmland, yet 90 percent of the food consumed in the region comes from outside of Illinois and outside of the United States. Considering the growing global population with less arable land and potable water, growing more food locally can help achieve a more resilient food system.

Creating an attractive career ladder into the world of growing is part of the strategic solutions the Lake County workforce ecosystem is working to create. As the local food movement 20

CLC CONNECTS

grows stronger in communities nationally each year, the interest and demand for sustainable agriculture education and employment also increases.

“With high food prices, knowing what you eat and where it came from is important,” said Beach Park resident Yesenia Mercado, who recently completed her associate degree in horticulture at CLC. When her daughter was diagnosed with type I diabetes, Mercado became more aware that ‘you are what you eat.’ To that end, she noted, “You can live a

COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

good healthy life with food right in front of you that’s easily accessible and easy to grow.”

Students at CLC have studied horticulture for over 45 years.

The Campus Farm in Grayslake offers a 10-acre living lab including a sustainably managed farm and woody plant collection. Students experience hands-on learning in modern facilities with hydroponic units, greenhouses and hoop houses that extend the growing season. Students grow plants for ecological restoration and study how different environmental

factors affect plant growth. Student workers help manage the Campus Farm, which grows vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Mercado works as a farmer on the Campus Farm.

“It’s the first time in nearly 40 years that I’m excited to go to work,” she said. “I learned so much from the people at CLC: peers, colleagues, coworkers, instructors. It’s a great learning community.”

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

CLC CONNECTS

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

The horticulture program at CLC provides students with the education and skills needed to gain entry into the workforce. The program offers an associate degree and certificates in various specialties including horticulture production, landscape design, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, sustainable agriculture and natural areas management.

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COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

CLC

horticulture instructor and environmental scientist Dr. John Zahina-Ramos is dedicated to teaching the next generation of sustainable farmers. He said, “College of Lake County embraces the agricultural heritage of the land the college sits on, while looking into the future of new growing methods and crops.”

Kim Kinsley from Waukegan noticed the limited access to fresh food and “the dwindling numbers of people interested in being farmers.” Kinsley started studying horticulture at CLC after retiring from her 20-year career as a 911 dispatcher in Lake County. She wanted to self-supplement her food sources and grow her own options.

“Considering climate change impacts and the costs of shipping food from other places, I believe education is the best way for people to fully understand what goes into horticulture, to be able to grow your own food, and these farms are here for our education and utilization.”

The sooner people establish roots in the farming community, the more rapidly they can see their career grow to support the local food industry. That’s why the summer jobs at the Greenbelt Farm, which sits on 1.25-acres of the Greenbelt Forest Preserve in North Chicago, are so important. In partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserves and the Lake County Workforce Development Board, CLC aspires to create a thriving space that not only contributes to the local ecosystem but also serves as a dynamic educational hub for area youth.

Gadiel Martinez, a 15-year-old Waukegan High School student who worked at the Greenbelt Farm last summer, described his experience as truly transformative. “It provided me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment I lacked before.

What made the work meaningful to me was not just the tasks themselves, but the deeper impact it had on my personal growth and development.”

“The program has been a tremendous success over the years, addressing an array of life lessons and life skills,” said Rebekah Snyder, Lake County Forest Preserves director of community engagement and partnerships. “Working on the sustainable farm provides an experience that uplifts the lives of students and, in turn, their communities.”

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CAMPUS FARM GRAYSLAKE

“My time at the farm was more than just a job— it was a journey of self-discovery and growth,” said Martinez. “It taught me the importance of connecting with nature, giving back to my community, and embracing new opportunities for learning and development.”

Both the Greenbelt Farm and the CLC Campus Farm lay the groundwork for the future Urban Farm Center at CLC’s Lakeshore Campus in downtown Waukegan. Current projections are for the college to break ground in early 2025.

You’ve never seen a farm like this,” said CLC Urban Farm Director Eliza Fournier. “This unique vision of growing food year-round indoors facilitates training in sustainable agriculture, plus season extension with greenhouse production and controlled environments that provide a diverse year-round supply of locally grown food.”

A key component of the vision for the Lakeshore Campus, the Urban Farm Center aspires to partner with farmers and growers by driving food-systems innovation and resiliency to withstand and recover from disruptions to ensure healthy food choices are accessible to all.

COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS

WAUKEGAN

NORTH CHICAGO

URBAN FARM CENTER

GREENBELT FARM

Together, these three unique learning and growing spaces serve as training grounds for students, resources for local Waukegan residents and a destination that will attract Lake County community members and those beyond the region.

They also create a lattice of opportunities for our Lake County community that introduces young people to careers in the food system, provides pathways to family-sustaining jobs and creates educational opportunities for students to ultimately become entrepreneurs, sellers, growers, healthcare providers or restauranteurs.

Watch this video of students working at the Greenbelt Farm in the summer.

CLC FARM LOCATIONS 1. Campus Farm • Home to the Horticulture program at Grayslake Campus • Living lab with traditional greenhouses, hoop houses to extend the growing season • 15,000 pounds of produce grown annually

2. Greenbelt Farm • Partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserves District • Paid experience for youth farmers funded by the Lake County Workforce Development Board • 20,000 pounds of produce grown annually

3. Urban Farm Center • Future vision of a 24,000-square-foot indoor growing facility and community resource • Part of CLC’s commitment to the vision for the Lakeshore Campus

JUNE 2024

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Spring

COMMENCEMENT2024

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CLC CONNECTS

The newest class of College of Lake County graduates walked the stage during the college’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11.

“On behalf of the entire college community, I congratulate you as you join the long legacy of successful CLC graduates who have crossed the stage before you,” said CLC President Dr. Lori Suddick. “With this commencement, CLC has graduated more than 65,000 students.”

JUNE 2024

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CLC CONNECTS

QUOTE ME! “It all comes down to the professors.

They care a lot about your success. They really want to help you out.” – Carlos Curiel

“CLC is affordable. It’s local. It makes education doable.

And for me with four children, it has made my education possible.” – Kendra Anderson

“The CLC student body is diverse. My classmates had more work and life experience.

When I transferred, I was better prepared for university life.” –Leanne Linsky

“CLC has a lot of opportunities for people going in millions of directions because it has so many resources. If you take advantage of what they provide, it’ll really benefit you in the future.”

–Riley Pemstein

19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 CLC Connects is published biannually by the Public Relations and Marketing department. To subscribe, unsubscribe or update an address, email PR@clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2094.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CLC Connects, College of Lake County 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198

Volume 4, Issue 1 June 2024

FOLLOW CLC ONLINE:

www.clcillinois.edu

Paul G. Virgilio, B.S., S.E., P.E. Vice Chair

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T. Secretary

Hungry? Prairie at Brae Loch, CLC’s student-managed

William M. Griffin, Ed.D.

restaurant, is now open! Extensive renovations enhanced

Amanda D. Howland, J.D.

and expanded the kitchen to create a state-of-the-art

Julie B. Shroka, M.A.

teaching and learning space. Operated by the Culinary

Gerri Songer, M.A.

and Hospitality Management program at CLC, the next

Sulma Teruel Student Trustee

generation of Lake County chefs is getting hands-on

Board of Trustees Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D. Chair

Lori Suddick, Ed.D. President Trustees Emeriti Richard A. Anderson, J.D. William M. Griffin, Ed.D. (2021-2023) Patricia Jones, M.Ed. Barbara D. Oilschlager, M.Ed.

DESIGNATED

HISPANIC-SERVING

INSTITUTION

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

experience preparing and serving delicious meals to diners.

Prairie hosted a grand opening this spring with more than 350 visitors in the rejuvenated dining room overlooking the Lake County Forest Preserves Brae Loch golf course.

Scan this QR code for menus and reservations.