City Colleges is observing Community College Month throughout April, highlighting the essential role that community colleges play in fostering students' futures, strengthening communities, and enhancing access to education.
Governor JB Pritzker has officially declared April 2025 as Illinois Community College Month "in honor of the Illinois Community College System and the significant contribution these institutions are making to every student, every community, and our state." The complete content of the proclamation is included below.
City Colleges of Chicago has been providing connections to economic opportunity since 1911. Offering a quality education at considerable value, City Colleges aims to be recognized as Chicago's most accessible higher education institution focused on socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, empowering Chicagoans to participate in building a stronger and more equitable city.
Several ways exist to explore what City Colleges offers, including Open House opportunities. The community is encouraged to share community college experiences using the hashtags #4everystudent4everycommunity, #ilcommunitycollegeproud, and #CCMonth this April.
The Community College Month Proclamation 2025 notes the historical significance of community colleges, with the first being established in Joliet, Illinois, in 1901. Illinois boasts 45 community colleges and 39 college districts, which collectively educate 75 percent of undergraduates in the state's public higher education sector. Remarkably, Illinois community colleges lead the nation in bachelor’s degree completion rates among transfer students.
In fiscal year 2024, community colleges in Illinois collaborated with local school districts, offering nearly 16,000 dual credit courses to over 91,000 high school students. An Associate of Applied Science degree or a long-term certificate from these community colleges can enhance lifetime earnings by approximately $600,000. They also share a mission to prepare individuals for the workforce, facilitate further education, and address community needs through a range of educational services.
"Therefore, I, JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 2025 to be Illinois Community College Month in honor of the Illinois Community College System and the significant contribution these institutions are making to the strength, vitality, and prosperity for our state."