Strategic Partnerships

One of the underlying premises of IGEN’s collaborative approach is that it is a consortium of colleges can achieve more by working together than working individually. In other words, the whole of our state-wide network adds up to more than the sum of our individual parts. This is the same outlook that IGEN applies in our approach to collaborative partnerships.

IGEN and our partners share a common vision and purpose to help grow the state’s economy, create resilient communities and prepare students for exciting careers. This shared understanding builds trust and an openness to innovate while recognizing the value and contribution of our network. Our collaborative nature leads to improved coordination of programs and service delivery, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Our Strategic Partners

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Utilizing funding from IEPA, IGEN operates a grant program to fund sustainability projects on member college campuses. These funds pay for LED lighting upgrades, renewable energy installations, curriculum development, the purchase of classroom supplies and equipment to support green curricula, and student/faculty education/outreach projects, among other things.

Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)

IGEN collaborates with the ICCB to assist community colleges in the development of academic and workforce programs, such as the Rev Up EVs Initiative.

EnergySense Resilience Center

IGEN partners with EnergySense Resilience Center to support Illinois community colleges with planning, education and support on their way to decarbonizing their campuses on the way to net zero. Check out these helpful EnergySense Resilience Center resources developed on behalf of community colleges across Illinois.

National Council for Workforce Education

IGEN works with NCWE and the SEED Center (an initiative of NCWE) to assist colleges in developing curriculum, faculty professional development, and partnership development.