College and Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPE) require students to complete several key activities to earn the credential. Two of these components are early college credit and Work-Based Learning. As the CCPE effort has ramped up across the state, Three Rivers Education for Employment System and its member institutions took a strategic approach to CCPE development. Engaging the local community college and local industry in meaningful ways has been the challenge in building these types of robust CTE programs. Featuring four dual enrollment programs, we will walk you through the connections that have been made with educational partners and business and industry to bring opportunities to the students of Will and Grundy counties. By identifying regional partners, the System has worked with Joliet Junior College, Wilco Area Career Center, local employers, and area high schools to build opportunities for students that lead to CCPE. Students have an opportunity to earn college credit, participate in career exploration and team-based challenges, and intern in industry-based career development experiences.
