As the President of Kaskaskia College (KC), I see firsthand the positive change KC makes in the lives of
students, families, staff and community. Now, thanks to a recent economic impact report, we have resounding
evidence of the difference we’re making in the region.
KC recently utilized a third-party non-objective organization, Lightcast, a global leader in labor market
analytics, to study the college’s economic and strategic impact on these counties within Illinois District 501 –
Marion, Bond, Clinton, Washington, and Fayette.
I am incredibly pleased to share the results of the study, which highlights how KC creates a positive net impact
of over $132 million on the district’s economy and generates a positive return on investment for students,
taxpayers and society. I hope this will provide insight to our valued community members about the vital role
KC plays in our region.
A Lifeline for Local Workforce Development
One of the most significant contributions of KC to the local economy is its role in workforce development.
Southern Illinois, like many rural regions in the United States, has experienced the loss of traditional industries
and the jobs they once provided. This has led to a pressing need for new skills and education to prepare the local
workforce for the evolving job market.
KC has risen to this challenge by offering a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the demands of both
current and emerging industries. Through its technical and vocational programs, KC equips students with the
skills necessary to succeed in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and agriculture.
Today, thousands of these former students are employed in District 501 and beyond. For instance, the college’s
nursing program is a vital source of skilled healthcare professionals in the KC district and in the major
metropolitan St. Louis area.
During 2022-2023, the accumulated impact of former students currently employed in the KC District 501
workforce amounted to $105.4 million in added income for the District 501 economy, which is equivalent to
supporting 1,640 jobs.
Meeting Labor Demands
In an era where technological advancements and global competition are rapidly changing the nature of work,
the college’s role in providing ongoing education and skill development cannot be overstated.
KC helps to ensure that businesses in Southern Illinois have the talent they need to thrive by educating our
residents at a very affordable cost in high-demand fields. Furthermore, KC’s commitment to continuing
education and adult learning has allowed workers who have been displaced by economic shifts to retrain and
reenter the workforce. This adaptability is crucial in maintaining the economic vitality of the region.
Collaboration between education and industry is essential for creating a robust and resilient local economy and
we are incredibly proud of the relationships we have built with our regional employers such as SSM Hospitals,
HSHS Hospitals, Nascote Industries, North American Lighting, Bayer, and more – working together to ensure
KC graduates are employable and meeting the needs of the region’s employers.
Affordability and Community Commitment
The economic impact of KC extends beyond direct job creation and business support. Education is a powerful
tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and KC makes it possible for individuals who might not otherwise have
the opportunity to pursue higher education. This, in turn, leads to better job prospects, higher earning potential,
and improved quality of life for residents
By providing access to affordable education (a two-year degree can be earned for less than $12,500) KC helps
to mitigate some of the socio-economic challenges faced by the region, such as poverty and unemployment.
For many families, KC is the only true option from an affordability standpoint. As the student loan crisis
continues to escalate and many students nationwide are taking out exorbitant loans at remarkably high interest
rates to pay for their education, we are immensely proud of the affordability and accessibility KC provides to
our region.
The college’s efforts to make education accessible to all, include financial aid, scholarships, and outreach
programs such as the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI), Aspirations in Manufacturing (AIM), and KC Now
(dual enrollment for high schoolers). Dual credit programs offered by KC in partnership with our area high
schools resulted in over $2.5 million dollars of tuition-free college credit benefiting local students last year
alone.
Concurrently, KC takes pride in serving as a cultural and social anchor for the region. The college’s events,
programs, and facilities bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This social
cohesion is important for economic resilience, as strong communities are better able to weather economic
downturns and other challenges.
Talent Attraction and Retention
In an increasingly competitive global economy, the ability to attract and retain talent is crucial for regional
development and the various businesses that serve the KC district.
Because KC programs lead to good-paying jobs in local industries, the college helps to reduce the outmigration
of young talent—a common issue in rural areas. A most recent study indicated that 90% of KC graduates stay
within a 50-mile radius of the college after graduation.
The presence of a strong educational institution like KC can be a deciding factor for businesses considering
whether to locate or expand in Southern Illinois. Companies are more likely to invest in regions where they can
find a well-educated and skilled workforce, and where their employees will have access to ongoing professional
development opportunities. KC provides this assurance, thus making the region more attractive to both
employers and potential residents.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Opportunity
Kaskaskia College stands to be more than just an educational institution; we work fervently to be a cornerstone
of economic stability for our five-county region. We recognize our vital role in driving economic growth and
stability in the region. We strive for that impact to be felt not only by the students who pass through our doors
but also by the wider community.
Guided by a recently passed strategic plan, KC works to be an economic driver, supporting local businesses,
enhancing workforce development, and fostering economic resilience in a region that has faced its share of
economic challenges.
The challenges facing rural America are significant, but with the right resources and partnerships, they are not
insurmountable. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to adapt to our industry needs, while
also remaining the most affordable higher education option for the residents of our district without sacrificing
quality.
It is my wish that KC be a shining example of how education and community engagement can come together to
create lasting economic impact, and I am proud that we play such a crucial role in the viability of our district.
We look forward to continuing to engage our community, educating our residents and to continue to ensure we
remain the best option for current and future students. Thank you for your continued support of our mission. We
are changing lives every day at KC!
George Evans
President
Kaskaskia College
P.S. – The full Lightcast Economic Impact Report can be reviewed at the KC website under the President’s tab:
kaskaskia.edu/media/web-assets/documents/about-kc/KC_EIS_MainReport_2223_Final_V2.pdf
