Waubonsee Community College Launches RISE 2030 Initiative for Community Engagement

Waubonsee Community College (WCC) has unveiled its ambitious five-year initiative called RISE 2030, aimed at enhancing local community engagement and meeting the evolving needs of its student population. The initiative, spearheaded by WCC President Brian Knetl and Chief of Staff Toya Webb, seeks to redefine the college’s relationship with the community through focused investments in academic innovation and improved student experiences.

The RISE acronym stands for Redefining relationships, Investing in academic innovation, and Strengthening the student and employee experience. This initiative will guide WCC’s efforts for the next five years, concentrating on priorities that reflect the community’s demands. The groundwork for RISE began a year ago, involving input from over 170 college employees, a 12-member student advisory board, and various stakeholders from sectors including business, education, and healthcare.

Toya Webb emphasizes the importance of community engagement, stating, “We want to be a community hub for engagement.” The initiative includes numerous strategies to address challenges faced by students, such as daycare needs and food insecurity. One significant development is the establishment of a food pantry and a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Illinois, which offers free daycare services at WCC’s Aurora campus.

In alignment with the RISE initiative, the college has also launched a new shuttle service between its Aurora and Sugar Grove campuses, designed to enhance accessibility for students attending classes. According to college officials, this shuttle program is a direct extension of the RISE 2030 strategic plan.

Webb highlights the college’s commitment to addressing the holistic needs of its students, noting that “Academics are important, but we also must take care of the whole student.” Surveys are being conducted to gather feedback from WCC’s diverse student body of approximately 10,000, with plans for a multicultural center aimed at amplifying student voices.

A prime example of WCC’s focus on workforce development is the recently opened 100,000-square-foot Technical Education Center, which offers training in high-demand fields such as automotive technology and welding. In direct response to industry feedback, new programs in wastewater management and industrial maintenance are also being developed. Potential expansions in healthcare education include programs in dental hygiene and sonography.

Efforts to meet the growing demand for fire science and emergency medical training are being explored in collaboration with the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District. Additionally, RISE 2030 aims to expand English Language Acquisition classes across local school districts, ensuring that community members have access to essential learning resources.

WCC is also one of two institutions chosen to participate in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity Network, which prioritizes the integration of artificial intelligence literacy into the curriculum. This focus on responsible AI use reflects the college’s commitment to preparing students for the future job market.

“This is a very ambitious plan and so different from in the past,” Webb stated, urging community members to share their ideas and participate in the RISE initiative. She emphasized that the college is dedicated to redefining its relationship with the community, inviting anyone interested to engage through the college’s website.

As Waubonsee Community College embarks on this transformative journey, its RISE 2030 initiative promises to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen ties with the local community, paving the way for future generations.