CORE Academy: Creating Opportunities for Regional Employment

Connecting Students to In-Demand Local Careers

Some students know from the minute they enter high school that they'll continue in a traditional college setting. Others may not have college plans or may want to pursue a career that doesn't require a college degree. That's where CORE Academy comes in.

CORE Academy is a career and technical education program overseen by the Effingham Regional Career Foundation (a 501c3 nonprofit) and designed to provide technical skills for high-demand industries through tailored education.

No Cost to Students

CORE Academy aims to give students the means to remain close to home while thriving in their chosen career, all at no cost for classes. Providing classes at zero cost enables every student to pursue their goals without the added pressure of the high cost of education.

What Students Receive

Because CORE Academy classes are tailored to specific career pathways, students gain real-world opportunities through hands-on learning and a relevant curriculum, preparing them for immediate employment or further education opportunities. Courses are designed as innovative and dynamic programs that bring students, job creators and the community together to create connections and grow the regional economy.

Graphic that showcases specific career pathways

Support a CORE Student today!

Your donation supports CORE student success! Supporting donations start as low as $25/month. You can set up an annual pledge or make a one time donation. We are excited to provide a dynamic educational atmosphere and bring students together from around the region to learn together and become sought after employees at our area businesses. Larger donations are also available, including class sponsorship and naming rights of the various CORE Academy educational spaces in the Effingham Technology Center.

Please email core.director@coreacademyil.com to request more information.

CORE Academy Region

Located on the first floor of the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center, CORE Academy serves students in Central Illinois across seven counties and 15 schools, including:

Clark County
- Marshall High School
Clay County
- North Clay High School
Cumberland County
- Cumberland High School
- Neoga High School
Effingham County
- Altamont High School
- Beecher City High School
- Dieterich High School
- Effingham High School
- St. Anthony High School
- Teutopolis High School
Fayette County
- Brownstown High School
- St. Elmo High School
Jasper County
- Newton Community High School
Shelby County
- Cowden-Herrick High School
- Stewardson-Strasburg High School
- Shelbyville High School

CORE Academy map with school mascots

CORE Academy Student Support

Your donation ensures an individual student can complete one year of CORE Academy courses.