ERCA Explorer enrollment doubles; Lakeland College to waive ERCA fees for first year

Courtney, speaking for ERCA/Explorer programming, told the committee enrollment has doubled year-over-year with about 48–49 students registered and an anticipated schedule of courses across fall and spring. She said Lakeland College’s Board of Trustees approved waiving fees for ERCA classes for the upcoming year — a waiver the meeting text described as 'up to the $59,000' for the first year — so students who enroll for 2024–25 will not pay tuition for those classes in the first year.

Courtney also previewed an upcoming webinar on Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and reported recent leadership and satellite-office developments across the region: Champaign County, EIU (Eastern Illinois University) in Mattoon, and Eastern Illinois Community Colleges are adding or refocusing SBDC capacity, which could yield local consulting and advising services for entrepreneurs.

Committee Chair thanked Courtney for the update. The report was informational and did not require committee action; Courtney said the committees will continue to monitor ERCA instructor/staff recruitment and enrollment.

What happens next: Lakeland College’s fee waiver is an institutional decision; the county will continue to track program enrollment and partnerships that support workforce and first-responder training.