Southernmost Grow Your Own Meeting Scheduled for April 22

4/4/08

Shawnee Community College is hosting a Southernmost Grow Your Own Illinois cohort meeting on Tuesday, April 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., April 22 at the main campus near Ullin. The event is sponsored by the Federation of Community United Services (FoCUS) of Southern Illinois. FoCUS was one of five demonstration projects in the state of Illinois for the Governor's Task Force for Welfare Reform. This project was funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. FoCUS covers the southern seven counties of Illinois. The purpose of this community-based organization is to partner with the state to develop policies, practices, and procedures that will assist families in becoming self-sufficient, while building community capacity.

The event provides a one-stop opportunity for students to meet with financial aid representatives, obtain advisement from both SCC and SIUC staff, register for summer classes at Shawnee Community College and SIUC, and receive updated information on the Basic Skills Test and grant services available to GYO members. "How to Triple Your Earning Power" mini-seminar presentation is also included.

FoCUS, SIUC, SCC, and seventeen school districts make up the GYO consortium along with cohort members. The Grow Your Own Illinois program provides guidance and financial assistance for students in pursuing a bachelor's degree in special education through SIUC on campus at Shawnee. Students will earn their degree from SIU, but their class work will take place on SCC's campus. Three disciplines through SIU are available. The Early Childhood Preschool/Primary degree is for students interested in teaching children grades Pre-K through 3rd Grade. The Workforce Education program is designed for anyone with an Associate's degree to earn a bachelor's degree. SCC has articulated the Parole Officer degree with the Workforce Education Program and will give correctional officers employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections credit for their academy training.

For more information, contact Mary Finley, SIU Liaison at 618-634-3330 or Dee Blakely at 618-634-3247.