LIFT Designated as 27th Area Career Center in Illinois

LIFT Central Illinois was recently designated as the 27th Area Career Center (ACC) in Illinois. Photo submitted by Mattoon CUSD #2

For Immediate Release

LIFT Designated as 27th Area Career Center in Illinois

MATTOON, ILLINOIS (October 24, 2024) –  LIFT Central Illinois was recently designated as the 27th Area Career Center (ACC) in Illinois. The announcement was made by Marci Johnson, the Career and Technical Education Director for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), during the Mattoon CUSD #2 Board of Education meeting on October 8.

Johnson stated, “This is not an easy feat and designation is a lengthy process, so being able to be a part of this is really an accomplishment.” To be recognized as an Area Career Center in Illinois, an educational facility must be designated by ISBE and must primarily or exclusively provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the secondary level. Over the past year, the state added three new centers; prior to that, there hadn’t been any new career center designations since the 1970s.

With the new designation comes additional funding, as ISBE allocates resources specifically for career centers, based on enrollment numbers. LIFT’s current enrollment stands at 257, a notable increase from 181 in the fall of 2023 and 103 in the first semester of 2022.

“We are proud of the 150% enrollment growth we’ve seen since we opened in 2022,” said LIFT Director McLain Schaefer. “This growth is a testament to the hard work of many community members, business partners, and educators, who are dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences for students throughout the region. We have been working diligently to eliminate as many potential barriers as possible to ensure every student that wants to attend LIFT can do so.”

Christy Hild, Director of Programming for the Mattoon CUSD #2 District added, “As an Area Career Center, our increased enrollment will result in increased funding. That is not only great for the district, it’s also beneficial to the region. Most importantly, the additional state funding will help us create meaningful opportunities for even more students.”

According to ISBE’s website, “CTE programs in Illinois provide instruction for careers in high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations. CTE programs continue to strengthen students’ technical skills; articulate transitions to postsecondary programs, employment or both; assist in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards; and close achievement gaps.”

Dale Righter, Mattoon Board President added, “As the 21st century economy continues to diversify, it’s important we offer varying paths of education to the extent possible, while at the same time continuing to improve overall academic performance. The LIFT facility and programs it offers are both an important piece of the education offered by Mattoon schools and a significant asset to the district and the region.”