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The Power of Community Colleges to Create the Green Economy: Leadership- A Key to
Success
Session B Partnerships, Sustainable Jobs 11:00-12:00
Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)
Jerry Weber President College of Lake County

Presented by:
Julie Elzanti Executive Director IGEN
Robert Hilgenbrink Treasurer and Financial Advisor IGEN

First Speaker: Allessandra Cairo Manager Communications IGEN

I. What is IGEN?
Almost half of all undergraduate students are now studying at community
colleges.

President led consortium of all 48 Illinois Community Colleges

Provides a platform for collaboration among all colleges to identify,
establish, share best practices and promote sustainability projects and
initiatives

Financial support from Illinois Governor’s office, Illinois Dept. of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and United States Dept. of
Education, Energy, and Labor.

Vision: to position the Illinois community college system as a global
leader in transforming education and economy for a sustainable future

Second Speaker: Alessandra Cairo

II. History and Success of IGEN

i. Funding History Timeline
2008-2009 develop community college sustainability center (10
colleges)

November 2009 12 college sustainability centers

July 2011 20 College sustainability centers

3 months ago received 19 million in funding

Third Speaker- Robert Hilgenbrink

Bottom up approach from students and faculty
Administrative master planning of the network
ii. Presidents Steering Committee
iii. Network Success
Leadership and collaboration across all community colleges and
communities in the network is the key to IGEN success

Virtual and physical centers
- Database developed to enter in all activities in the
Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN)
Green Jobs training programs
200 community members participate in College of Lake County
Community Partners for Sustainability

Many buildings LEED certified or any new development at campuses.

III. Future of IGEN- Alessandra Cairo
12 sustainability centers will expand to 20 centers

4 green economy centers

1. Community Colleges drive green economy
2. Lake County- Green County event
   Lake County discussions of Greening of Lake County
   Green Business Website for networking
   Weatherization program for upper and middle class homes

Chicago example- Julie Elzanti
The Plant
90% of the materials are recycled in the building
Waste to energy process of tilapia fish farm, brewery, and other sustainable
food companies such as 321 in Chicago at The Plant, which grows fresh herbs
in modular units

Enables colleges to partner with community
Community gardens- Local Food Economies- Food Hubs 95% food dollars
sent out of state, even though Illinois is a huge agricultural state

SEED funding
Green Career Pathways consortium
Energy Efficiency Equipment Bulk Purchasing
Energy Efficiency and training program
Task Force and Work Groups

Best Practice Packages- local foods, equipment loan programs to contractors,
electric vehicles

Collaboration among community colleges in IGEN is KEY to success

Website
IGEN members only section
www.igencc.org

IGEN Network news
www.igencc.org/Network-News

IGEN Communication preferences- email communication system from all
colleges across Illinois

IV. Report Database System
Activity reports and sustainability initiatives- can submit as you go within a
date range with all colleges
Can see what other colleges across state have submitted
Upload marketing materials
Invoices- fiscal agent SWIC, summary reports can be pulled up

V. Career Pathways Consortium
Dept. of Labor TAACCCT Grant

IGEN one of 32 grantees nationwide
- architecture and construction
- STEM
- Manufacturing

NTER System- Open source platform, Build 3D simulations, Performance based
testing,

-serves instructors
provides full range of instructional tools
-serves learners

-serves institutions

SEED- Sustainability Education and Economic Development

Question and Answer

1st question: How did you secure funding for IGEN?

Congressional Aides helped get funding Congressman and Senators to help get
earmarks (which are now more difficult to get)- locating a funding stream in a
political system through donations.

Younger generation lobbyists in Washington, D.C. helped in proposing ideas to
their state and federal representatives.

2nd question: How is the funding divided up between the community colleges in the
network?

Projects that are in the pipeline in the database will get initial consideration,
but overall collaborative administrative committee determines where funds are
allocated.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has a major role
particularly in the area of Green jobs creation