Transfer agreement between Illinois Central College and Lincoln College-Normal helps working adults finish their degrees

[July 31, 2015]  NORMAL - Illinois Central College and Lincoln College-Normal formally signed a new articulation and transfer agreement today which will give busy, working professionals in Central Illinois an alternative path to finishing their bachelor’s degree.

The agreement involves the Accelerated Bridge to Education (ABE) Program, which is designed to cover the same college-level material typically covered in a 13- to 16-week college semester in only five weeks. Classes meet weekly for a four-hour class session, with the remainder of the coursework completed online. Students will be encouraged to complete their associate degree at ICC before applying to the ABE program.

“Adults who stopped short of completing their degrees often find themselves challenged to do so once they enter the workforce because of the time commitment,” said ICC Interim President William Tammone. “This program provides an alternative, convenient format designed to help working professionals more easily maintain their careers and other responsibilities while pursuing those educational goals.”

"I am especially excited about the continued expansion of the ABE program, as it is what working adults are looking for in their educational opportunities. It has been shown that students are more successful in obtaining their bachelor degrees when it is delivered in a concentrated manner,” Lincoln College President David Gerlach said. “We are excited to partner with Illinois Central College in delivering our Accelerated Bridge to Education bachelor degree to Peoria."

To be eligible for the ABE Program, students must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of three years of post-high school, full-time employment. Any student who has earned an Associate in Arts, an Associate in Science or an Associate in Applied Science from ICC and also meets the minimum requirements will automatically be admitted to the program.

For more information, contact Illinois Central College at (309) 694-4-ICC or at http://icc.edu/  and Lincoln College-Normal at 309-452-0500 or at http://normal.lincolncollege.edu/. 

[Valerie Welsh, Illinois Central College]