EXCHANGE: Wheels turning on planned Regional Career Academy

(AP) — Committees working on a plan to build an academy that will train adults and high school students for vocations aren't deterred by the lack of state funding.

Committees have been working on operations, funding, marketing, workforce readiness and programs and curriculum, said Norma Lansing, treasurer for the proposed academy's board of directors.

Within the cost, proponents of the project hope to collect $9 million from the state and fund the remaining $3 million with grants, fundraising and local funds.

An expansion of the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham, the project is crucial to building the region's workforce, according to officials.

The goal is to offer a unique combination of high school students and incumbent training for workforces, Lansing explained.

Lansing said LLC, Effingham High School and the chamber teamed up with local employers to upgrade the EHS program and it is now offered to adults as a night class, through Lake Land College.

The guidance counselors from each of the county high schools met on Sept. 29 for logistics discussions and another meeting is being planned that will include principals and superintendents to gain clarity for a plan of action.

The career academy is a partnership of area businesses, schools, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, state and local government and various community stakeholders.

"Governor Rauner has repeatedly stated that we need to create jobs and also train employees to work in manufacturing," said Fritchtnitch.

Since he has held true to these statements, there is a reasonable expectation that Capital Development Funding is still viable.