IGEN has grown tremendously in the three years since our formation. Every day, I learn about new and remarkable sustainability accomplishments at Illinois community colleges.These achievements are possible due to the leadership of college Presidents, efforts of the IGEN administrative staff, commitment of Network Sustainability Professionals, and partnerships with college staff across the state.Many thanks to everyone for your patience,hard work, and dedication

Since July 2011, IGEN (through SWIC and CLC), has been awarded Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and US Department of Labor grants, totaling almost $24 million for the next three years. With this funding, IGEN will:

• Expand the number of College Sustainability Centers from 12 to 20, increase the number of Green Economy Centers from 2 to 4, and provide seed funding to all college districts.
• Form an Energy Equipment Group Purchasing Consortium to fund up to 75% of project costs for energy saving measures implemented at multiple colleges.
• Distribute Illinois Community College Targeted Energy Management Training funds to colleges to deliver or participate in energy efficiency and green technology job training opportunities through conferences, online and classroom workshops, and behavior change awareness campaigns for college staff, students and business members from all sectors.
• Create a Career Pathways Consortium with 17 colleges to collaboratively develop 30 associate degrees and certificates for green economy workforce training. All curricula will be available via the innovative NTER online delivery system developed by the Department of Energy. Programs will combine classroom and online instruction, hands-on exercises, and industry partnerships. Several programs will embed general education components to enable accelerated completion. University partnerships will assist curricula development for articulation. Five Adult Transition Service Centers strategically located throughout the state will provide bridge programs and refresher tutorials to prepare displaced workers for re-entry into college.

Because of the willingness of Illinois community colleges to collaborate across boundaries and foster innovative solutions for our shared challenges, we are generating leaders, role models, and best practices that improve campus environments, redefine education and career training, and help Illinois communities at the statewide scale needed to create our more sustainable future.

I am delighted to work in partnership with each of the colleges and our multiple partners. I look forward to the continued growth of this truly impressive Network. Thank you for your sustainability efforts!

Sincerely,
Julie Elzanati, Executive Director, Illinois Green Economy Network