The Illinois Central College Board of Trustees reported that ICC is a finalist in the 2025 Bellwether Award for instructional programming at its Nov. 12 meeting.

The junior college seeks approval to discontinue the Graphic Communications Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program, including the five sub-certificates in the program as well as the Personal Fitness/Trainer Certificate program.

Meanwhile, the school seeks approval to add the following programs: Automotive Maintenance Specialist Certificate; Automotive Repair Specialist Certificate; Automotive Technology Specialist Certificate; Automotive-Electric Vehicle Specialist Certificate 18. There is an increased need for short duration certificates to get individuals into the industry quickly, as well as provide apprenticeships and career pathways for this profession.

ICC also seeks approval to add IT Essentials — A+ Prep Certificate and Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. There is a need for short-duration IT certificates that get individuals into IT careers. There are in excess of 1,000 IT jobs for computer support and cybersecurity in the Peoria metropolitan area. Between these two certificate programs, students are eligible to sit for four different IT certifications that are nationally recognized by the industry.