Expanding-Access-and-Opportunity.php

Expanding Access and Opportunity

• Category
• 05/14/2025

The following is an editorial written by Rock Valley College President, Howard J. Spearman, Ph.D.

Illinois should empower community colleges to offer select Baccalaureate Degrees to increase access and opportunity for all residents.

At Rock Valley College, we pride ourselves on being a responsive, student-focused institution that meets the evolving needs of our region. That's why I strongly support the proposed Illinois legislation allowing community colleges to offer select, workforce-focused baccalaureate degrees. This is not about competing with four-year universities—it's about closing gaps in access, equity, and economic opportunity for students and employers across northern Illinois.

Today's workforce demands have shifted. Employers increasingly require bachelor's degrees—not just associate degrees or certificates- in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare administration, and cybersecurity. Unfortunately, transferring to a four-year institution isn't feasible for many of our students, especially adult learners and those tied to our community by work or family. Cost, commuting, and scheduling challenges put a four-year degree out of reach.

By allowing community colleges to offer applied baccalaureate degrees in specific, unmet areas of regional demand, we can remove those barriers and create new on-ramps to economic mobility. Students will gain access to affordable, high-quality education close to home, with programs developed in direct collaboration with local industry partners.

This legislation would also be a game-changer for northern Illinois employers. Businesses consistently tell us they struggle to find qualified candidates with both the technical training and advanced credentials required for today's jobs. By training bachelor's-prepared graduates in our own backyard, RVC can help local companies grow and help our graduates stay and thrive in our region.

Moreover, the economic benefits to the community are substantial. Studies show that graduates with bachelor's degrees earn more over their lifetimes, pay more in taxes, and are more likely to remain in the region where they were educated. By investing in homegrown talent, we strengthen our community: individuals, families, businesses, and organization alike.

This proposal is not unprecedented. Twenty-five other states already allow community colleges to offer targeted bachelor's degrees. These programs have proven effective in addressing workforce shortages and serving place-bound, nontraditional students. Illinois can build on the successes of other states and early adopters, and we can adapt them to our unique needs.

At RVC, we are ready to take on this responsibility. With strong academic programs, deep ties to regional employers, and a proven track record of student support, we are well-positioned to lead this next chapter in workforce education.

This legislation is a practical, equity-driven step toward a more agile, accessible higher education system. It's time for Illinois to unlock the full potential of its community colleges—for our students, our employers, and the economic future of northern Illinois.