Illinois Valley Community College Ottawa Center Expands Career and Healthcare Training for Adult Learners
Illinois Valley Community College is reshaping its Ottawa Center as a hub for working adults, healthcare students, and career-focused learners. Dean Jennifer Scheri says the campus is expanding short-term training, professional development, and prerequisite coursework, with new partnerships already supporting paramedic and EKG technician programs.
“The vision has always been to serve as a vibrant satellite campus on the east side of the IVCC district – providing accessible pre-requisite coursework, short-term/non-credit career training, and professional development opportunities designed for working adults,” said Jennifer Scheri, Dean of Continuing Education, Business Training and the Ottawa Center.
The Ottawa Center also offers CNA and EMT students a path to complete up to 15-and-a-half credit hours in a semester while staying eligible for financial aid. Since opening in 2010, the downtown campus has served students seeking GED classes, English language learning, general education, and workforce training. Coordinator Cristina Callahan says future plans will be shaped by community and business input.
“Community partnerships have already resulted in the development of new training programs for paramedics and EKG technicians and there will be more in the future,” Scheri said.
“It feels like a community,” said Ottawa Center Coordinator Cristina Callahan, who joined the staff in March. “In addition to having classes in session, you might see students completing a jigsaw puzzle in the lobby, working one-on-one at a computer station, or a community meeting being held in the campus conference room. The location is great; you are within walking distance of everything downtown.”
“I want to learn what the community would like to see at the Ottawa Center. We need to develop programs and opportunities for people here so they can stay close to home,” Callahan said.
“Adult Education learners find Ottawa Center a hospitable place where they still feel connected to the college environment while building skills to achieve their goals,” said Adult Education Director Sara Escatel.