SPRINGFIELD (Oct. 23, 2025) — Illinois community colleges have once again recorded steady growth, marking the fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, according to the Fall 2025 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report released today by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

Statewide, total community college enrollment reached 274,737 students in Fall 2025 — a 3.7 percent increase in headcount and 3.0 percent increase in Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) from the previous year. This year’s growth pushes enrollment 1.3 percent above pre-pandemic levels (Fall 2019), demonstrating the system’s continued recovery and the enduring demand for accessible, affordable higher education across Illinois.

“Year after year, Illinois is seeing increases in community college enrollment, reflecting my commitment to make Illinois the best state in the nation to receive an education,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “Accessible, high-quality education transforms lives. Whether it’s an affordable pathway to a four-year institution or an opportunity for specialized workforce development, higher enrollment in our state’s community colleges means more Illinoisans are realizing their full potential.”

Passion for the arts in the Rinaldi family has been limitless.  Both Nicholas and Jacqueline taught at Fairfield University and were in education for decades. Jacqueline continued teaching until last year when she finally retired at the age of 89.

“Both of my parents spent a lifetime in education, " Paul said. “We’re a family that really believes in the transformational power of the arts to lift people up. That’s always been my focus in terms of working with my students.”

The Prairie State College Office of Institutional Advancement was elated to welcome Allan DiCastro, an exemplary alumnus, back to campus during Community College Week. “Mr. DiCastro defines Started Near, Going Far, and continues to Give Back to the PSC community, stated Deborah S. Havighorst, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and the PSC Foundation.  “It was heartwarming to see Allan’s genuine interaction with GAP scholarship recipients and his commitment to student success.” 

Mr. DiCastro established the Gail Ann Prize (GAP) Scholarship for nearby Serena Hills Elementary School students who attend PSC. His commitment to PSC students honors his late sister, Gail Ann DiCastro.

Mr. DiCastro toured campus and was greeted by Dr. Anthony, PSC President, during his time at the College. The legacy Mr. DiCastro leaves behind will change the lives of numerous PSC students.

The Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation is honored to announce it received a $100,000 scholarship donation from philanthropist and PSC alumnus Allan DiCastro.  

Originally from Chicago Heights, DiCastro attended PSC and later moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s. Despite the distance, he sought ways to give back to the community in memory of his late sister, Gail Ann DiCastro, who passed away in 1979. Ms. DiCastro planned to enroll at PSC in the fall of 1979, but was one of three graduates from  Homewood-Flossmoor High School killed in the crash of American Airlines Flight 191, leaving Chicago O’Hare International Airport and heading to Los Angeles on  May 25, 1979. The crash claimed 273 lives, including all 258 passengers and 13 crew members, as well as two individuals, on the ground, making it the deadliest aviation  accident in U.S. history.