The University of Illinois System announced Wednesday the launch of a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities.

The program’s objective to lower barriers and provide targeted career advising to low-income and first-generation college students wanting to transfer to four-year schools.

While 81% of community college students say getting a bachelor’s degree is their goal, only 31% of students transfer to a four-year institution. This program aims to increase that number.

In collaboration with One Million Degrees, a Chicago-based nonprofit supporting community college students, the program will “unlock opportunities that will fuel our state’s workforce and economic future,” University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen said in a news release.

“We are highly motivated to build on the momentum that we’ve created with Illinois’ community colleges, expanding opportunities for students to not only access higher education but to thrive in rewarding careers,” Killeen said.

The Prairie State College Nursing program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). While the Class of 2024 recorded a 94 percent, the overall cohort of PSC nursing students who tested in 2024 achieved a perfect pass rate.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise of our faculty, and the support provided by the college. Our program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the nursing profession, and this accomplishment affirms the effectiveness of our rigorous curriculum and hands-on training.”   - Dr. Marie C. Hansel, interim director of Nursing at PSC.

The Gail Ann Prize (GAP) Scholarship was recently established as the result of a large donation given by philanthropist and PSC alumnus Allan DiCastro. This scholarship was very generously provided to support former Serena Hills Elementary School students who are now PSC students. Prairie State College Foundation spring scholarship recipients of the GAP Scholarship had the opportunity to meet virtually with Allan DiCastro and extend their heartfelt thanks. Mr. DiCastro offered words of encouragement during the call, "Stick with it...be guided and driven in your path...pick up skills and keep them in your backpack because one day you will use them...always keep going and stretch your mind," as well as reminiscing fond memories of growing up in Chicago Heights. 

The Foundation is grateful to Mr. Allan DiCastro and all who change lives by contributing to PSC student success! 

Prairie State College Foundation scholarship recipients of the SSSBA Eugene C. Varnado Academic Excellence Scholarship were recognized at the South Suburban Small Business Association Awards Breakfast at Idlewild Country Club. Recipients include Jossuef Mania, Valentino Cesar and Luis Angel Estrada. Deb Havighorst, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & PSC Foundation said, "Gene and Deborah Varnado are 100% dedicated to improving lives in the south suburbs and encouraging the up and coming generation of entrepreneurs. As a founder of the SSSBA, it was important to Mr. Varnado to name the organization in creating this scholarship."

The Foundation is grateful to all who change lives by contributing to PSC student success!