Check Those Deadlines!

The College Application process is underway and seniors should be applying. There are a lot of steps to navigate so it is important that the process get started.

Each school has different deadlines and requirements for needed items. Be sure to check with each school to verify that you have the correct information. November 1st is a deadline for several schools, so check these out soon!

If you have any questions or need to clear any confusion, please see your counselor as soon as possible!

ICC Early College Dual Credit Welding Program

Are you a high school student interested in a hands-on career in welding? Illinois Central College (ICC) is excited to offer an Early College program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an entry-level welder. This program runs from August 18, 2025, to May 15, 2026, and is perfect for those looking to enter the manufacturing field or pursue a union apprenticeship.

Program Overview

Location and Schedule:

• ICC Pekin
  • Morning Class: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Monday – Thursday OR
  • Afternoon Class: 11:00 AM – 1:50 PM, Monday – Thursday

What You'll Learn

Participants will work towards earning a Production Welder Certificate through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various welding processes, including:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

In addition to mastering these techniques, students will gain valuable knowledge in welding theory and blueprint reading, essential skills for any aspiring welder.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in welding, consider enrolling in ICC’s Early College program. This is your chance to learn essential skills, earn certifications, and prepare for a successful future in the manufacturing industry.

For more information about the program, click on this link or talk with your counselor.

Considering Bradley? Check This Out!

Are you a senior considering Bradley University for the fall? Schedule a visit there today! All seniors who attends a scheduled visit before November 22nd will be eligible to receive a $4000 visit grant ($1000 per year). Current high school students who attend Bradley this fall as a full-time first-year student are considered eligible, and it will be added to financial aid packages for enrolling students. Please email Angie Cooksy at acooksy@fsmail.bradley.edu with any questions!

Stir Up Some Culinary Magic at ICC!

Hey future chefs and culinary stars! 🍽️ Are you ready for an exciting opportunity? Mark your calendars for November 21st from 8:45 AM-12:00 PM because the Illinois Central College Culinary Arts Expo is coming your way!

This is a fantastic opportunity - ICC is all about creating a fun and informative day filled with insights into the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management fields. You'll get to explore impressive Dogwood Hall, meet knowledgeable faculty and enthusiastic students, and gather useful information on scholarships, financial aid, student life, and a seamless enrollment process.

Please let your counselor know if you are interested so we can get you registered. Questions? Reach out to Ashley at Ashley.Berlett@icc.edu or call 309-694-5200.

💰 $500 Up For Grabs to an IVC Student 💰

One IVC student will walk away with $500 in this year's Voice of Democracy Contest sponsored by our local VFW. Students need to create a 3-5 minute oral essay. The competition is open to all IVC students. The winning submission from IVC will move on to the state competition. 

Topic: Is American Today Our Forefathers' Vision?
Grades: 9-12
Top Prize: $500
Second Prize: $200
Due Date: October 31st
For more details: Entry forms may be picked up from any counselor, English teacher or social studies teacher.

Basically students will need to write an essay and then turn it to an audio file. It is actually quite simple. The teachers at the high school use many different programs/app to save audio. Students should ask their English teacher if they are unsure what program to use. The counselors have thumb drives available if needed.

🎉 Shape Your Future Week Success! 🎉

Shape Your Future Week was an absolute hit! We had a fantastic turnout with 29 colleges and schools visiting IVC, and our juniors and seniors took full advantage of the opportunity. A whopping 139 students attended at least one college visit, totaling an impressive 362 students at the presentations.

On average, each college session had 12.5 eager minds ready to learn about their future possibilities. The top crowd-pullers?

1.  ICC
2.  Illinois State
3.  U of I - Urbana/Champaign
4.  Bradley
5.  Iowa State
6.  Augustana & Mizzou

Thanks to everyone who made this week such a success!

ICC Hosts Illinois Regional College Fair

You are invited! Illinois Central College is hosting a college fair on Wednesday, October 16th from 6:00-8:00 PM. The event will be held at the East Peoria Campus CougarPlex. Over 60 in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities will be present to discuss academic programs, financial aid options, the admissions process, and more. For a complete list of colleges attending the event, click here. You can register for the event by clicking this link.

Army ROTC Illinois State Tuition Waiver (ISTW) Scholarship

The Army ROTC is offering a tuition waiver that covers full tuition for students interested in becoming part of the Army ROTC program. To help students explore this opportunity, they will be hosting a combine event on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Camp Lincoln in Springfield. This event will include a fitness test and a short interview to assess eligibility for the scholarship. It is designed for senior students, especially those who have shown an interest in pursuing higher education and leadership opportunities.

The application is due by October 23, 2024, and the flyer attached contains all the necessary details, including the application process, contact information, and the list of schools participating in the program.

This is a fantastic way for them to attend college without the burden of tuition costs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out: arotc@illinois.edu or (217) 244-1407.

Unlocking the Secrets of College Campuses: Your Ultimate Guide to Campus Visits

Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of choosing the perfect college? One of the best ways to get a true feel for a school is to visit its campus. But don’t just breeze through—take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and ask plenty of questions. Here’s why slowing down and engaging with both the admission staff and current students can make all the difference.

1. Talk to the Pros: Admission Staff When you first arrive, make sure to chat with the admission staff. These folks are pros at showcasing what makes their school shine. They’ll provide you with all the essential information about programs, facilities, and campus life. Remember, they’re there to highlight the best aspects of the college, so take notes and gather all the details you can.

2. Get the Real Scoop: Current Students While the admission staff can give you the official tour, the real goldmine of information comes from talking to current students. These are the people living the college experience day in and day out. Ask them what they love about their school and what they wish could be better. Their honest opinions will give you a well-rounded view of what to expect.

3. Questions to Ask. Here are some questions to get you started.

WIU Announces No Application Fee for October

Western Illinois University just announced NO APPLICATION FEE for the month of October. If you are considering Western, be sure to apply this month and save yourself some $$! Also check out their Discover Western Preview Days. Visit wiu.edu/visit for more information.