Personal and Professional Development Initiatives Launched for 2015-2016 Academic Year

Student Access, Success, & Diversity Initiatives and Career Services are pleased to announce a series of initiatives inspired by conversations with industry professionals, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and the Many Voices; One Vision Strategic Plan.

Executive Honors Diversity Network

Thought leaders from BP, Discover, Oracle, CDW and the National Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., will host workshops, called Illumination Sessions, on campus this fall for students in support of building connections and sharing knowledge that will last a lifetime.

This new program establishes partnerships with the community, companies and alumni to provide discourse to students on global workforce practices, trends and culture. Thought leaders are invited to share valuable insight on effective strategies for personal and professional development, the culture of the business world and how to succeed. Major corporations are registered to partner with affinity student organizations and provide pre-career fair Illumination Sessions, participate in the November National Career Development Month, and collaborate with Illinois Tech throughout the year.

Global Fellowship and Prizes Initiative

Working collaboratively throughout the university, this working group serves as a clearinghouse for fellowships, scholarships and prizes like Goldwater, Udall, Hertz, Venture for America, the White House Fellows, the WISE Fellows, the Hult Prize, Ford and others. We are happy to offer coaching and guidance for students to competitively apply for these programs. These opportunities help participants to find their voice, path and passion while gaining real world experience coupled with leadership development. We invite you to explore this enriching experience that will add substantial value to your academic experience and credentials.

Veterans Legacy Career Assistance

At Illinois Tech, we are committed to providing the best possible support to veterans in a culture that is familiar. Career Services has a dedicated employment specialist that will assist in the transition of our veterans to new professional careers and opportunities following their military service. The employment specialist will provide tailored employment forums, individual transition planning sessions, career coaching, alumni connections, career assessment instruments, and community resources.

The Wild Formula: Learning Network for Youth & Professional Development Training for our Students

As we reflect on 125 years of learning that is not restricted to the confines of the campus walls, the combination of our three enriching goals has allowed the Office of Student Access, Success & Diversity Initiatives to provide students across Chicago with a robust start to their future and careers. This program provides training and leadership opportunities to help students further understand civic and corporate engagement to better prepare them upon graduation to become emerging leaders in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and engagement.

Since the fall of 2014, The Wild Formula has been the gracious recipient of over 10,000 books from schools locally, as far north as Wilmette, Ill., and as far south as Herscher, Ill. Through our partnership with organizations in the community like The Chicago Park District, Brookfield Zoo, Hales Franciscan High School, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Men & Women in Prison Ministry, and Prosperity House, we have been able to give thousands of donated books to women and youth across the Chicagoland area and connect them to resources that aid in pursuing their interests.

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To learn more about these initiatives, and/or to partner with this work, contact Lisa L. Montgomery, director, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement, at lisa.montgomery@iit.edu.

Website: Office of the Vice Provost, Student Access, Success, & Diversity Initiatives

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