Republican State Senator Chuck Weaver says it’s up to everyone to champion workforce development after Midstate College’s closure announcement.
“It’s discouraging. And you know, there’s some things that have hit central Illinois. And the thing I would challenge people on is, it’s up to all of us," he said.
Weaver says companies will go where the workforce is. He says he has confidence that K-12 schools, Bradley University and Illinois Central College will continue to help develop the credentialed workforce Central Illinois employers need.
Methodist College has already reached out to Midstate students going through the school's medical programs. On Wednesday, ICC announced it is coming to the aid of former Midstate employees and students. ICC has created an expedited admission process for Midstate students, and is hosting a transfer fair on August 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. on its Peoria campus.
Midstate College President Meredith Bunch said transcripts will remain available for students after the college permanently closes on Aug. 14.
On Monday, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth joined U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos in asking the U.S. Department of Education and Illinois community colleges to step up to help the students of Midstate College continue their educations.
