Changes are coming to Illinois Valley Community College’s Ottawa campus as it streamlines healthcare degree programs and appeals to adult and non-traditional learners and professionals.

“The vision has always been to serve as a vibrant satellite campus on the east side of the IVCC district – providing accessible pre-requisite coursework, short-term/non-credit career training, and professional development opportunities designed for working adults,” said Jennifer Scheri, Dean of Continuing Education, Business Training and the Ottawa Center.

Now Scheri is exploring ways to raise the Ottawa Center’s profile for healthcare professionals and area students.

“Community partnerships have already resulted in the development of new training programs for paramedics and EKG technicians and there will be more in the future,” Scheri said.

The Ottawa Center offers CNA and EMS students the opportunity to complete 12 to 15.5 credit hours in a semester, maintain full-time status for financial aid eligibility, and move quickly into high-demand healthcare careers.

Established in 2010, the Ottawa Center brought college dreams closer to the eastern half of the IVCC district, including the towns of Seneca, Marseilles, and Streator. Learners have benefited from the flexible class schedules during the day or evening, classes for those that want to obtain their high school diploma, and classes for English language learners.

With its location in the central business district, the Ottawa Center has always been a popular site for professional and career development, business computer system training, college placement testing for high school students, and general education classes. This fall, classes such as introduction to business computer systems, psychology, sociology, English composition, food service sanitation, certified nursing assisting (CNA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) are scheduled there.

Scheri believes the Ottawa Center also appeals to a variety of students – from close-knit parochial or home-school environments to cautious first-time or returning adult students and students focused on career bridge programs, and even youth summer camp children and teens.

“It feels like a community,” said Ottawa Center Coordinator Cristina Callahan, who joined the staff in March. “In addition to having classes in session, you might see students completing a jigsaw puzzle in the lobby, working one-on-one at a computer station, or a community meeting being held in the campus conference room. The location is great; you are within walking distance of everything downtown.”

Adult Education learners find Ottawa Center a hospitable place where they still feel connected to the college environment while building skills to achieve their goals, said Adult Education Director Sara Escatel.

Classes for high school diploma (GED) seekers and English language learners have been scheduled there since Ottawa Center opened, and Escatel expects those programs to grow as more students progress into credit courses, career training or workforce opportunities.

Callahan plans to work with residents and local businesses to formulate course schedules and improve public transportation options for students.

“I want to learn what the community would like to see at the Ottawa Center.  We need to develop programs and opportunities for people here so they can stay close to home,” Callahan said.