A key aspect of the Tech Prep Evaluation System is the recognition of exemplary practices in the consortia that are reviewed each year. Generally each consortium reviewed in a given year is honored for its high-quality implementation of some aspect of Tech Prep. The following consortia were recognized at the "Connections 2002" conference, held in Springfield, Illinois in June 2002:

Des Plaines Valley Education for Employment Regional Delivery System - recognized for Curriculum Development.

This consortium has excellent examples of integration and applied learning such as: team teaching in a TV course by a technology and an English teacher, integration of physics in the Automotive program, authentic projects in Graphics Arts, robotic competitions, and an award winning Bataan project involving History, Radio/TV Production, and Graphic Arts where students conduct research, work in teams, and learn about their community's history.
                                                For more information, contact Dan Heintz.

East St. Louis Regional Vocational System Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Equal Access for Special Populations.

This consortium has been exceptionally effective in providing Equal Access for Special Populations. They have allocated additional resources and staff to ensure that members of special populations and students with special needs develop career goals and participate in Tech Prep programs. They have been successful in enrolling female students in nontraditional Tech Prep occupations and work-based learning experiences. They have also been diligent in their efforts to encourage students to 'think outside the box' regarding career expectations available to them.
                                                 For more information, contact Ellis Davis.

Elgin Community College Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Inservice Training for Teachers and Counselors.

In this consortium, collaborative staff development activities with the Regional Office of Education, Education for Employment, Education to Careers and Northern Illinois University have encouraged planning and resource sharing, and have maximized inservice opportunities for teachers and counselors. Workshops throughout the year included: designing and implementing a comprehensive career development system, developing Individual Career Plans, serving students with disabilities, utilizing the Internet, and enhancing technical skills.
                                           For more information, contact Gayle Richardson.

Illinois Department of Human Services/ Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Equal Access for Special Populations.

The Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired are exemplary in providing equal access to all of their students. The administrators and other leaders have adopted Tech Prep as a program improvement model to assist in providing specialized services related to preparation for careers. They are continually exploring opportunities to improve Tech Prep programs through a caring, student-centered approach oriented toward meeting the needs of their students.
                                              For more information, contact Marjorie Olson.

Kankakee-Iroquois River Valley Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Preparatory Services (including career guidance).

This consortium provides outstanding preparatory services that promote student participation in Tech Prep. Career awareness begins in the middle schools. Then in high school, career interest assessments and Individual Career Plans are provided to all students. To assist students further, the consortium sponsors various events such as "The Taste of Technology," so all high students in the consortium can explore careers in technology. This is a true collaborative effort by the secondary schools and community college to introduce students to careers through Tech Prep.
                                                  For more information, contact Susan Wynn.

Kishwaukee Education Consortium/Kishwaukee College Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Business/Labor/Community Involvement.

In this consortium, business is a very active partner with considerable participation in decision-making. Their coordination with economic development issues has assisted them in planning and implementing county-wide activities. Faculty and students have opportunities to participate in a variety of job shadowing/internship type activities. These experiences assist faculty in updating their knowledge and skills, and give students a taste of the career they intend to pursue.
                                          For more information, contact Kathleen Watkins.

River Bend Tech Prep Consortium - recognized for Articulation

This consortium has strategically joined their dual credit/articulation system and 2 + 2 sequences to enhance the benefits for students participating in Tech Prep. Students receive high school and college credit for academic and career and technical courses. Their success is based upon strong collaboration between the secondary level and postsecondary level in the development of these dual credit/articulation agreements.
                                                 For more information, contact Stu Trask.

Sauk Valley Community College Consortium - recognized for Leadership, Organizational and Administrative Support.

This consortium is commended for re-energizing Tech Prep at the local level, developing broader consortium involvement, strengthening participation in planning future directions, and promoting Tech Prep through a state-of-the-art website. This leadership and support has renewed interest in Tech Prep and revitalized Tech Prep programs in this consortium.
                                               For more information, contact Bob Grisolano.

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