Students, families & educators

A career can start before graduation.

Students in Greater Peoria can finish high school having already earned college credit, held a paid internship, and met the employers hiring in their field. The Emerging Workforce Committee exists to make that the norm rather than the exception.

Students working together in a health sciences lab

What is available before graduation

  • College credit while still in high school

    Dual credit and dual enrollment let students finish high school already progressing toward a credential, at a fraction of the cost.

  • Paid work experience

    High school internships and work-based learning put students inside real regional employers before they choose a path.

  • Career and technical education

    CTE programs across the region lead into the trades, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and more.

  • Pathway endorsements

    Districts across Greater Peoria are adopting Illinois' PaCE framework and College and Career Pathway Endorsements, which formally recognize a completed pathway on a diploma.

Where to look

Organizations serving students, families, and the educators guiding them.

  • Eureka College

    A four-year college in Woodford County and an Alliance partner on adult degree completion.

    Visit Eureka College

  • GP Works

    Greater Peoria EDC

    The region's guide to careers, employers, and training in Greater Peoria — a starting point if you do not yet know what you are looking for.

    Visit GP Works

  • GPEAK Essential Skills Certification

    Illinois Central College

    Greater Peoria Essential Abilities and Knowledge. Earn a badge for each of Illinois' ten essential employability skills; earn all ten and you are GPEAK certified. Built with input from more than 85 regional employers.

    Visit GPEAK Essential Skills Certification

  • Illinois Central College

    Degrees, certificates, dual credit, and short-term workforce training — the region's largest credentialing partner.

    Visit Illinois Central College

  • Peoria Regional Office of Education (ROE 48)

    Regional Office of Education 48

    Serving school districts across Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties, including career pathways and alternative education.

    Visit Peoria Regional Office of Education (ROE 48)

For educators and counselors

The Emerging Workforce Committee is where districts, colleges, and employers coordinate this work. If your district is building pathways, expanding work-based learning, or adopting PaCE, the committee is the place to align it with what the rest of the region is doing.

About the Emerging Workforce Committee

Nobody reaches 60% alone.

Employers, educators, and community partners are already at the table. Join them.

Get involved