Associated Press
February 18, 2011
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon is beginning a tour of all 48 community colleges in the state to promote college completion.
Simon observed a "college and career readiness" course at John A. Logan College in Carterville Thursday. It prepares local high school students for college-level work to reduce the amount of time students spend in remedial math and reading courses.
The Democrat announced last week that Illinois should work to increase its working-age population with college degrees to 60% by 2025, up from 41% today.
She says that will help Illinois retain a highly skilled workforce for future jobs.
Simon is Gov. Pat Quinn's education point person.