COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
[ 2025 ]
SHAPING TOMORROW, TOGETHER
CLC’s 2030 Strategic Plan charts a bold path. Centered on student access and success, community vibrancy and building a future-ready organization, the plan positions CLC as a catalyst for economic mobility and shared prosperity throughout Lake County.
The 2030 Strategic Plan leverages the student, faculty and employee success frameworks developed as part of the 2024 Strategic Plan, to enact strategies within each pillar to:
Deliver high-quality, full-scale, seamless student experiences leading to success for all students
Create strategic, integrated partnerships with community, industry and educational organizations to effect positive change for Lake County residents
Foster a student-focused and community-centered culture where every employee thrives
LAKE COUNTY’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
THREE CAMPUSES | TWO SPECIALTY CENTERS | ONE COLLEGE
CLC served more than 35,000 community members through education, training and support services that strengthen Lake County’s future.
STUDENTS WE SERVE
FISCAL YEAR: JULY 2024 - JUNE 2025
Data finalized by CLC’s Student Attributes Dashboard and Higher Learning Commission Institutional Update July 16, 2025
MORE THAN 23,000
students enrolled in college programs, adult education, English as a Second Language (ESL), dual credit and workforce training representing a 5% increase from last year’s enrollment of 22,000 students.
MORE THAN 3,400 students in Adult Education and ESL, +20% growth since last year
10,500 Lake County high school students graduated last year and, notably, 51% of them applied to CLC
CLC is ranked as a top 10% Gold Military Friendly® School and is ranked #10 nationally for military spouses. 18%
of students who graduated from a local high school in 2024 attended CLC the year after graduation
part-time students 74% 26%
full-time students average student age 25
621 military-affiliated students
LEARNER-FOCUSED EDUCATION
Students gain real-world preparation to get them ready for the workforce through instruction from professionals with industry experience. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, allowing instructors to support each student’s individual goals.
16 students per class on average
40 art, science and careerfocused associate degrees
115 career certificates
4,900 credit course offerings
100+ EMPLOYEES have more than 25 years of service at CLC
25 YEARS
MORE THAN 500 INDIVIDUALS representing more than 350 businesses are engaged as advisory members for programs
“It all comes down to the professors. They care a lot about your success and really want to help you out.”
– Carlos Curiel, digital media and design student
NEW DEAN AT SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS
“The faculty and staff are deeply committed to every student’s success, and my goal is to elevate and amplify the incredible work they’re already doing.”
– Southlake Campus Dean Dr. Tricia Rosado
BEYOND THE TASSEL
CLC graduates are an investment in Lake County’s economy by providing a skilled workforce that meets the region’s growing talent need.
MORE THAN
3,600
graduates earned 4,100 credentials. This represents a 16.13% increase in graduates and a 10.81% increase in credentials compared to last year
Since 1969, CLC has graduated 85,000+ students with 99,000+ degrees and certificates
“CLC was a stepping stone for me to make more money for my family. With this degree, I’m able to get more of a managerial position, something I wouldn’t be able to do without it.”
– Alessandra Lopez, accounting student
LARGEST TRANSFER PROGRAMS OF CLC STUDENTS TO 4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
Engineering Psychology Biology Nursing Business
MOST COMMON TRANSFER UNIVERSITIES AFTER CLC
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Illinois Chicago
• Illinois State University
• DePaul University
• Northern Illinois University
Source: National Student Clearinghouse
EDUCATION THAT PAYS OFF
Many students choose CLC because of its affordability. On average, students save $33,000 in tuition and fees by enrolling at CLC for two years before transferring to an Illinois public university to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Annual Tuition and Fees for Full-Time, In-District Students at Illinois Colleges
32% of students received federal Pell grants, reducing or eliminating their educational costs with support for learning resources and living expenses
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023-2024 Tuition & Fees Rate Averages
PLANTING SEEDS FOR GROWTH
The CLC Foundation helps new possibilities take root for students across Lake County. With support from donors, students are empowered through scholarships and emergency assistance, while CLC gains the resources to launch forward-thinking programs that respond to community and workforce priorities.
“I am incredibly grateful for this support, and I look forward to the day when I can pay it forward.”
– Juan Oliva, nursing student Hear more from Juan:
Nearly $1 million in CLC Foundation student scholarships distributed
More than 850 students received scholarships, which is a 42% increase from the 600 students who received them last year
1,100 financial awards were made
$5.5+ million fundraised* 53% more than last year *unaudited
LITTLE LEARNERS
The Children’s Learning Center provides quality care and education in a safe, secure and caring environment to children whose parents or guardians are CLC students or employees. Childcare is also open to members of the community.
• Provided care and education for 182 children between 2 and 12 years
• Supported 57 student parents
• As a result of public and private partnerships, a new accessible outdoor playground opened at the Lakeshore Campus childcare center in June 2025
A JUMPSTART ON COLLEGE
Enrolling in CLC’s dual credit classes helps high school students complete their college degree in a shorter time, while increasing the number of college-going students throughout Lake County. This past year, CLC’s dual credit partnerships with high schools facilitated strong returns.
Watch this video about dual credit:
Students and families saved nearly $4 million in college tuition last year by enrolling in dual credit classes at CLC, up from $3 million the prior year
Dual credit enrollment increased by 27%, with a total increase of 260% students served in the last 5 years
4,822 high school students took dual credit courses in 41 academic departments
29% of dual credit students became CLC students immediately after graduating high school
25 high schools offer dual credit classes with CLC
A SPECTRUM OF STUDENTS
CLC’s student demographics reflect the diverse population of northeastern Illinois. Students from each community in the county take classes at CLC.
STUDENT ETHNICITY
Source: Student Attributes Dashboard
• Increased course success rates for all students and narrowed institutional equity gaps for Black and part-time students
• Improved fall-to-fall retention for all students and reduced equity gaps for Black, Latinx and first-generation students
• One of the top 5 institutions awarding associate degrees to Latinx students in Illinois
Source: Excelencia in Education
DESIGNATED HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
LEADING WITH DISTINCTION
CLC achieved the designation as a Leader College of Distinction in 2025. This national recognition is awarded by the Achieving the Dream (ATD) network and is the result of improved student outcomes through CLC’s transformational change efforts in student access and success. CLC ranks in the top 10% of ATD’s 400+ member community colleges and is among a small number of those recognized as a Leader College of Distinction within five years of joining the ATD network.
The results of these intentional efforts led CLC to Leader College of Distinction status:
• Adult education, dual credit and college-level credit enrollment has steadily increased for the past four years and exceeds pre-pandemic levels due to proactive efforts in enrollment and retention
• Achieved multi-year records in three-year graduation rates, exceeding national benchmarks, with improved outcomes across every student group
GUIDED SUPPORT DRIVES STUDENT SUCCESS
Guided by the Lancer Success Framework, CLC’s College and Career Navigators and Academic Success Advisors help students take their next steps with confidence and purpose.
Academic Success Advisors and College and Career Navigators offer
critical support to students:
Among students entering CLC in fall 2024, 90% of applicants who met with a college and career navigator enrolled at CLC, compared to 20% of applicants who did not meet with a navigator who enrolled at CLC.
Eighty-five percent of students who met with an academic success advisor during their first semester progressed their education into the next semester, compared with 59% who did not meet with their advisor and continued into the next semester.
4.5x
Students who meet with their personal College and Career Navigator and Academic Success Advisor are 4.5 times more likely to progress through their college career and reach their academic goals.
STUDY SMARTER
CLC tutors help support students’ learning outside the classroom. In fact, students who use tutoring services are consistently more likely to succeed than those who don’t — with success rates up to 32 percentage points higher in key courses like English, chemistry, math and statistics.
THE TUTORING CENTER:
Earned certification as a Level 1 certified tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)
Developed a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification peer review process
2,678 students completed 14,147 tutoring sessions
PEER-TO-PEER TUTORING
CLC’s Tutoring Center is a vibrant place where students work with peers and professionals to supplement their learning outside the classroom. The peer tutor program recruits and trains students to support their peers in academic work across disciplines. Benefits of peer tutoring include higher academic achievement, greater personal and social development, improved peer relationships and increased motivation to stay in school and graduate.
“The tutors are very prepared and knowledgeable about things I consider really hard. Instead of just giving me the information, they explain it step-by-step from the beginning.”
– Brody McGuire
• A new cohort of peer tutors starts each fall; 28 were hired in August 2024, joining a total of 43 for the 2024-2025 academic year
• The number of peer tutors has more than doubled over the last three years
SUPPORTING STUDENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Students have access to CLC resources that can aid them in their education, finances and personal life. Cost-free services help ensure students can stay on track for success even when their challenges come from outside the classroom or campus.
Bookstore: Open educational resources and inclusive access to digital course materials along with lower prices on physical books help lower costs, saving students more than $2.7M last year
Student Health and Wellness: On-campus clinic staff saw 3,378 students and employees
CLC SHARE Markets: 1,379 students visited the food and resource pantries at Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses, for a total of 8,782 visits
• 239 students received Thanksgiving kits to support family meals over the holiday break
Specialized staff support roles at CLC:
• Specialist embedded in the Access & Disabilities Resource Center dedicated to addressing opportunities and situations experienced by neurodivergent students attending CLC, a population that increased 13.7% from the previous year
• Undocumented Student Resource Advisor dedicated to understanding and addressing undocumented students’ needs and experiences, a statemandated position at all community colleges in Illinois
• Community Resource Coordinator, a state-mandated position, dedicated to maintaining connections with essential human services resources in the Lake County community to help keep students on the path to success
MIND MATTERS
A key piece of college success is mental wellness. According to the national Healthy Minds survey, more than 60 percent of college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem—a nearly 50 percent increase since 2013. As students entering college are experiencing higher rates of mental health challenges than ever before, CLC offers resources that support students’ mental health as they pursue their education.
Individual and Group Therapy:
Provided 3,300 mental health appointments with licensed clinicians, benefiting more than 500 students
Mental Health Outreach:
• Provided mental health-focused events on campus, reaching more than 3,200 individuals
• Launched the Peer Support Program, consisting of four students employed as Mental Health Peer Educators, in alignment with the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act
JED Foundation Partnership:
Completed year one of JED Campus certification, which provides expert support, evidence-based recommended practices and data-driven guidance to sustain the mental health and well-being of the campus community
STUDENTS BRING THE CAMPUS TO LIFE
Participating in extracurricular activities is a big part of the college experience. CLC has 34 organizations that encourage students to get involved on campus.
Student Government Association participated in strategic planning input sessions and encouraged peers to participate in social events from clothing swaps to fashion shows featuring recycled materials
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s CLC chapter was recognized as a 5-Star Chapter, and chapter leaders won numerous awards this year
CLC hosted the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Arts Festival in spring 2025 with a number of students involved, including 3 award winners
Students traveled to cities across the state and nation to represent CLC in academic and club-related competitions and as advocates for community colleges
The Latinx Success Center El Centro, hosted 34 events, engaging 6,466 students who participated in activities or visited for support and resources
• Five student leaders were selected to attend the 2025 United States Hispanic Leadership Institute National Conference
GAME ON, LANCERS
CLC loves to rep its student athletes! Lancer athletic programs continue to grow and succeed, allowing students to pursue their passions on the field while getting an education.
“Having spent 16 years coaching at the community college level, I can confidently say that athletes at two-year and four-year colleges all similarly train, compete and push themselves to excel.”
– Tanner Morris, women’s basketball head coach
Women’s basketball qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament for the first time, and coach Tanner Morris was named Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Women’s Sports Coach of the Year
Women’s soccer won the Skyway Conference Championship, and coach Kevin Talbot was named Illinois Skyway Conference Coach of the Year
Men’s tennis qualified for their 8th consecutive trip to NJCAA Nationals
Women’s softball won back-to-back Skyway Conference Championships for the first time in 26 years
46 student athletes achieved Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference All-Academic Awards
Launched Esports, Men’s Bowling, and Women’s Bowling programs
Hosted summer athletic camps for Grayslake North and Central high schools during facility renovations. This partnership introduced more than 240 high school students to CLC’s athletic facilities
Sports Complex Development:
A state-of-the-art, accessible and student-centered outdoor athletic complex that aligns with the college’s strategic goals for student engagement, community connection and intercollegiate athletics has a target opening of spring 2027
ART HAPPENS HERE
From culinary creations to fine and performing arts, CLC programs create meaningful, high-quality experiences that reflect diverse cultures and connect students with the surrounding community.
BON APPÉTIT
More than 2,500 diners enjoyed multicultural cuisine prepared by culinary students at Prairie at Brae Loch, a student-managed restaurant
FROM THE MAINSTAGE
The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts is a leading cultural destination that provides engagement through student and community performances, professional touring acts and community partner events. 38,000 patrons explored the arts through 127 events
GALLERY GLIMPSE
The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art displayed 875 pieces of impressive artwork from 285 talented artists
The Gallery hosted the Skyway 2025 Collegiate Art Competition, a juried exhibition featuring awardwinning art from eight local colleges. The opening reception drew over 500 students, faculty and community members
In addition to the main gallery, CLC’s two exhibition spaces, The Esper Petersen Reading Room Gallery (Grayslake), and La Galería del Pasillo (Lakeshore), bring the community together for special arts events throughout the year
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS IN ACTION
Every investment in student success includes a commitment to the spaces where learning happens. Capital improvements involve data-informed, strategically aligned decisions that support student outcomes and community impact. Guided by strong financial policies, infrastructure investments help shape a dynamic, accessible and forward-thinking college.
One of the most visible improvements this year is the renovated greenhouse on the Grayslake Campus for CLC’s Horticulture program. Designed as a handson learning environment, the facility gives students real-world experience growing and managing plants. Greenhouse restorations allowed the return of CLC’s popular annual plant sales, a community tradition that provides local gardeners access to healthy, competitively priced plants while supporting student learning.
On the horizon is the development of a new Sports Complex and roundabout at Grayslake Campus, and completing the Urban Farm Center at Lakeshore Campus
GLOBAL EDUCATION, COMMUNITY COLLEGE
International students are welcome at CLC.
104 international students, representing 37 countries
International students contribute $3.3 million to the economy
Source: NAFSA Economic Value Tool
STUDY ABROAD
Offered short-term and semester-long study abroad programs to more than 17 countries
More than doubled the number of CLC students studying abroad
All CLC students who submit their FAFSA can apply their refund toward study abroad programs
41% of all CLC students who studied abroad on CLC-run programs received between $500 and $2,250 in scholarships last year
“I’d never had
an experience with students from other countries with the same passions. I enjoyed sharing experiences with them and doing everything together.”
– Adriana Colin, CLC
student who studied abroad in the United Arab Emirates
BUILDING A GREEN WORKFORCE
In collaboration with the Lake County Workforce Development Board and The Community Works, CLC was awarded a multi-year Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Funding supports hands-on workforce training designed to cultivate a clean-energy talent pipeline, including:
• Electric vehicle automotive technology
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)
• Energy auditing
• Construction and building inspections
The Waukegan Workforce Hub is one of 14 CEJA sites established statewide, training nearly 200 Lake County residents each year. CEJA unites higher education, local government, employers and community organizations to equip participants with in-demand skills and certifications— such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-10 and First Aid/ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The program offers financial support to students through stipends, and there is no cost for students to participate.
CEJA aligns with the State of Illinois’ commitment to reaching 100% carbon-free power and reducing emissions by 2045.
“This program was a blessing for me. I believe with all these skills I’ll be able to have a very successful career.”
– Richard Martinez-Messner, first cohort graduate
CREATING EMPLOYMENT CONNECTIONS
CLC strives to help every student find a job. The Career and Job Placement Center (CJPC) partners with employers to connect students with employment experiences and opportunities.
830 students engaged in job fairs on campus, in addition to the 1,298 one-on-one appointments to prepare for the workplace
1,385 students registered on Handshake, an online job platform, looking for employment
592 students were hired as student employees
81 apprentices completed courses in eight degree areas while working on site at 16 employer partners
29 apprentices graduated across multiple industry sectors and the apprenticeship program has a 90% retention rate
Watch this video to learn more about how CJPC helps students get jobs:
TRAINING THE WORKFORCE FOR MODERN MANUFACTURING
CLC plays a key role in the workforce pipeline of Lake County, the second largest manufacturing county in the state.
The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is a physical and strategic embodiment of CLC’s mission to bridge education and workforce needs—empowering community members with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue careers in an evolving manufacturing landscape
More than 570 students enrolled and completed industrial technology credentials, apprenticeships and welding through this state-of-the-art space last year –42% increase since opening
The ATC builds strong partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that classes align with industry needs
Approximately 3,300 visitors and event participants gathered at the ATC last year
JOIN THE MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE
The Manufacturing Alliance is a catalyst for continuous improvement—enabling businesses with a skilled workforce and regional manufacturing excellence. Through collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, we empower our community to lead and grow.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
CLC partners with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers on the Manufacturing Imperative –Workforce Pipeline Challenge, a national initiative to address critical workforce shortages in the manufacturing sector
Since the start of the initiative, CLC has seen an increase in student certification rates and work-based learning placements, reinforcing CLC’s role as a key regional driver of workforce development
COME TOGETHER
CLC spaces are busy places, and many are available for rental or co-sponsored use. Community events hosted at CLC draw thousands of people to the campuses and specialty centers each year.
In response to Lake County community members’ requests for event venues and meeting spaces, CLC made it easier to connect with team members who can reserve dates, times and spaces and offer guidance to hold a successful event. Scan this QR code to get more information:
CLC hosts or co-sponsors these events and more:
• Maker Faire Lake County
• STEM for Girls, Science Olympiad, Future Business Leaders of America Conference
• Sports tournaments, cheer competitions, dance recitals
• Community organization conferences and meetings
• Job expos and volunteer resource fairs
• Cultural celebrations and gatherings, plus graduations
“For over a decade, we’ve chosen CLC as the home for Science Olympiad because the experience is outstanding, including individualized attention to room assignments, AV support, food, entertainment, swag and volunteers. Every detail is handled with excellence.”
– Nicole McRee, Regional Director, Science Olympiad
ON THE LAKE
The Eleanor Murkey Community Center is a popular, vibrant gathering space at Lakeshore Campus. More than 18,000 people have attended 382 events in this space since opening in 2023.
SPROUTING SOMETHING NEW
2025 was a groundbreaking year for the Lakeshore Campus Urban Farm Center in downtown Waukegan. Construction began in June, with completion anticipated in 2026. The fundraising campaign is reaching its goals, with over $12 million in private donations raised and pledged.
CLC’s Horticulture and Urban Farm Center team partnered with Illinois Extension’s Lake County office, Illinois Farm Bureau’s Lake County office and the Lake County Community Foundation to re-launch the Grow Lake County coalition, connecting residents with Lake County-grown food
At the 2025 Seed Expo, held in partnership with the Lake County Master Gardeners, over 1,800 attendees received free seeds, shopped at local vendors for gardening supplies and learned about gardening in workshops
The Campus Farm and Greenbelt Farms grew a combined 10,000 pounds of organically grown produce and held weekly farm markets from May through October at the Grayslake and Lakeshore Campuses
During the summer, Youth Farmers at CLC’s Greenbelt Farm learn sustainable agriculture practices while growing fresh, local produce that supports community health and food equity
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE
Fiscal sustainability is essential to fulfill CLC’s mission and meet the evolving needs of Lake County communities. The 2030 Strategic Plan charts a future-ready path based on sound financial stewardship. CLC maintains a Aaa bond rating, evidence of exemplary fiscal policy and decision-making that aligns with long-term institutional goals.
2026 Annual Budget Operating Funds Revenue: $134 million 1.3%
$1,700,000
Other Local Revenue
Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax
64.0%
$85,870,788 Local Funding For every $100K in home value, Lake County homeowners invest $93 in CLC
Tuition and Fees
$3,430,058 Other Earned Revenue Including interest income and building rentals
GRADUATES AT WORK - COMMUNITIES THRIVING
Every dollar invested in CLC returns measurable value to the community through career-ready graduates who strengthen the local workforce, affordable education that reduces student debt, dual credit programs that accelerate success, wraparound support services that boost completion and economic development that fuels Lake County’s growth.
Education is a smart investment that pays dividends in equity, opportunity and prosperity for all.
MISSION
College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves.
VISION
College of Lake County is a leader in providing innovative education and workforce solutions.
VALUES
Excellence | Purpose | Integrity | Compassion | Unity | Inclusion
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Student Access & Success | Community Vibrancy | Future-Ready Organization
The Community Impact Report is published annually by Public Relations & Marketing. September 2025
DESIGNATED
HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Amanda D. Howland, M.A., M.S., J.D.
Chair
William M. Griffin, Ed.D.
Vice Chair
Allena Barbato, J.D., L.M.F.T.
Secretary
Dawn Abernathy, M.A.T.
Celeste Flores, B.A.
Janet Gibson, M.D.S.
Paul G. Virgilio, B.S., S.E., P.E.
Andrea Gomez
Student Trustee
Lori Suddick, Ed.D.
President
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Richard A. Anderson, J.D.
William M. Griffin, Ed.D. (2021-2023)
Patricia Jones, M.Ed.
Torrie Mark Newsome, J.D.
Barbara D. Oilschlager, M.Ed.
Julie B. Shroka, M.A.