During its regular meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the John Wood Community College (JWCC) Board of Trustees heard a report on the college’s regional economic impact. According to an Illinois Community College Board study, JWCC provides a $104 million total economic impact and supports 1,086 jobs across its nine-county district. Statewide, Illinois’ 45 community colleges generate a combined $27.2 billion economic impact and support 324,273 jobs.
The report from Lightcast, The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois, reflects fiscal year 2023–24 data and underscores the critical role community colleges play in workforce development, business growth, and economic mobility across the state.
JWCC’s total economic impact in the study was based on 2023-24 data including added income from the College’s operations spending ($14.1 million), alumni increased earnings ($87 million), student spending ($2.9 million), and construction spending ($500,000).
JWCC serves more than 1800 students annually, with its largest enrollments in the high-opportunity technical pathways of healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, welding, and agriculture and bachelor’s pathways in STEM, psychology, business and education.
“Having a community college in this region is an economic driver and solid investment for students, business, and the community,” JWCC President Dr. Aron Potter said. “As the community’s partner and leader in workforce training, we provide the pipeline of skilled employees who work and establish roots in this region to keep the economy vibrant and growing.”
JWCC’s newly expanded Workforce Development Center enhances the College’s regional impact, offering certificates, degrees, and customized training to students and incumbent workers. The center is home to Illinois’ first Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter comprised of six regional manufacturers who select students to work three days a week to apply manufacturing knowledge and skills learned at JWCC.
Data from the study also showed students receive an 11.4 percent annual return on their investment. In total, JWCC students paid a present value of $10.4 million to cover the cost of tuition, fees, supplies, and interest on student loans and forwent $4.8 million in time and money while attending college, although the majority of JWCC students work multiple jobs while training. In return, students will receive a cumulative present value of $42.2 million in increased earnings over their working lives.
“When some students may question the value of college, JWCC is offering an incredible return on their investment of tuition and time,” Potter said. “Whether it is jumpstarting college in high school, completing a technical or trade credential, or starting a bachelor’s degree, JWCC graduates have less debt and clear pathways to high-opportunity careers which give them confidence in their decision to enroll with us.”
In other business, Trustees:
Heard a special report on the College’s Creative Writing and Fine Arts program. Austin Roberts, representing fine arts and communication faculty, briefed the Board on the annual student exhibition and award ceremony featuring winners of the creative writing contest and student art exhibit. Tae’ana Roan read her first-place poem, “Behind the Mask,” during the meeting. Students’ work can be viewed online at jwcc.edu/programs/fine-arts by clicking on The Emerald.
Authorized acceptance of $5,760 in grant funding from the Dollar General Foundation for Adult Education and Literacy to support student testing fee costs.
Authorized an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement from the University of Illinois to provide permission for JWCC to erect a storage facility on the premises of a five-acre plot within the Orr Research Farm at the JWCC Agricultural Center.
Approved changing the date of the June 17 Board of Trustees meeting to June 22.
The next meeting will be held Monday, June 22, at 6:00 p.m. on the JWCC Quincy campus.
