Effingham Regional Career Academy Prepares for Fall Semester
Curriculum March 24, 2024
More than 45 students are enrolled for inaugural courses
The Effingham Regional Career Foundation launches the full course program in August with the first semester of Effingham Regional Career Academy. ERCF President, Norma Lansing, recently updated the Effingham County School Boards on enrollment numbers as well as courses, which are designed to prepare the next generation of the workforce for the region.
“Enrollment for the Fall semester is more than 45 students, reinforcing the need that our board identified for skilled employees in these areas of industry,” Norma said. ERCA focuses on training in Agriculture, Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation.
High school students at 14 partner schools in Clay, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby Counties make up the students for ERCA’s first semester. These courses are in addition to the Explore ERCA course, which will begin its fourth cycle in the Fall. As remodeling of the new Lake Land College facility in Effingham continues to progress, all courses are planned to take place at the Effingham Technology Center on Althoff Drive. When complete, ETC will be at the forefront of Career and Technical Education.
As details are finalized for the Fall Semester, ERCA committees are already planning for the second generation of coursework to be offered as early as the Fall 2025 to meet the projected employment and skill needs in the Effingham area, as projected by WIOA, CBI and area business partners.
Effingham Regional Career Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that oversees the operation of the Effingham Regional Career Academy. Serving communities and 14 school districts in six regional counties, ERCA offers focused curriculum and advanced, hands-on training that allows high school students and incumbent learners to gain hands-on education. The goal is to provide the region with well-educated and trained individuals who are able to work in their field of choice without moving away.
ERCA is available through partnerships with regional businesses, communities and schools, including Lake Land College. For more details, visit https://www.eiefes.k12.il.us/regional-programs/erca.
