On April 25, 2025, education and workforce leaders from across the region gathered at Carl Sandburg College for a pivotal convening of the Bridging the Gap from High School to Higher Education initiative led by a partnership between Monmouth College and the Regional Office of Education #33.
Focus Group Facilitators representing Academic, Workforce, Finance/Resources, and Social Emotional Learning areas presented action steps to help students transition more successfully from high school into higher education and career pathways. This meeting marks the third sharing session in this ongoing work.
The initiative is rooted in aligning K-12 and postsecondary systems to support students’ academic achievement, emotional readiness, financial planning, and career preparedness. Kathryn Jennings, incoming Regional Superintendent of ROE #33, opened the event by introducing the four focus areas critical to this mission: Academic Preparedness, Financial Resources, Social and Emotional Learning, and Workforce Development.
Each working group shared insights, challenges, and action steps based on months of collaborative planning. Monmouth College President Dr. Patricia Draves thanked the higher education institutions and school districts for their partnership in this work, and Monmouth College Vice President and Dean for Student Success Michelle Merrit facilitated discussion around the working group action plans.
The collaborative insights of the working groups resulted in key action steps:
- Workforce: Led by Kathy Wight and Marnie Steach, this group discussed improving Employability Skills using the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Competencies and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Essential Employability Skills as benchmarks, marketing College and Career Pathway Endorsements, researching Micro-Credentials that could help students enter the workforce or upskill quickly, and developing a regional Work-Based Learning Directory to support students in accessing real-world learning experiences and career exposure, including contacts for job shadowing, internships, guest speaking, event sponsorship, and pre-apprenticeships.
- Academic Preparedness: Facilitated by Dr. Tiffany Springer, this group examined gaps in understanding between high school and college-level expectations and began aligning strategies accordingly.
- Finance/Resources: Led by Autumn Scott and Jeff Whitsitt, this team is working to identify barriers and resources related to college affordability and access.
- Social Emotional Learning and Behavioral Health: Jessica Donaldson’s group presented their action plan focused on student well-being, incorporating perspectives from Monmouth College and TRIO to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach.
The initiative, supported by Monmouth College, Carl Sandburg College, Regional Office of Education #33, and district partners, represents a bold step toward bridging systemic gaps and ensuring all students are equipped to thrive beyond high school. Working groups will continue to develop action plans and share a further update next school year.
***Courtesy of the Regional Office of Education #33***
