HCC opens instructional space in collaboration with Mid Central Community Action

Heartland Community College is opening a new facility to provide more learning opportunities in Bloomington. 

In February of 2023 the Heartland Board of Trustees approved funds to renovate 4,500 square feet of leased space at Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) on Washington Street in west Bloomington. 

“MCCA is excited to partner with Heartland Community College again to bring increased educational opportunities to the west side of Bloomington,” said MCCA Executive Director Tami Foley. “This partnership aligns with our Next Step Program. We have financial coaches, employment coaches, and HUD Certified Housing Counselors that can walk alongside these students through their journeys and assist them in securing jobs and increasing their net worth once they receive their certification.” 

Construction of the site was completed this summer with the goal of hosting classes that begin in August for the Fall 2023 Heartland academic term.  

West Bloomington is one of the larger areas in McLean County where there is a concentrated population of individuals who fall into the educational attainment gap. Sixty percent of the adults in that area have earned less than an associate degree level of education. Around eight percent of adults in that region have less than a high school diploma. 

“The first step in bridging the educational attainment gap is to provide access,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “With this collaboration, and other initiatives, we are bringing the educational opportunity into the neighborhoods where potential students live.” 

For those who are at a high school equivalency or have some college, but not a degree, Heartland has been developing off-campus Work Ready Programs. These are programs designed to move students quickly into the workforce without the need to transfer on to attain a bachelor’s degree. 

Courses in Building Maintenance, Technical Service Industry Skills, Construction Materials and Methods will launch at the MCCA space in August. The facility will also offer open computer lab space for students enrolled in business technology, computer technology, and office technology courses.  

“Programs such as the Building Maintenance, Technical Service Industry Skills, and Construction Materials courses that will be supported in this space, provide a pathway to the workforce,” said Cornille.  “The certificates available can be completed in one year or less and are in areas with high employment opportunities. These are the short-term programs that offer skills training to advance learners into a job, that puts them in a position to get a better job, and then a career.” 

For more information about Heartland Community College work ready programs and the college application process, please visit http://www.heartland.edu.