Northwest Suburban Chicago · EFE 070 · D211 · D214 · D220 · Harper
Preparing every student for college and career.
A regional partnership committed to college and career readiness — sharing talent, data, and resources so every graduate is ready for a global society.
About NECSS
A secondary and postsecondary collaborative built around student success.
The Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS) is a regional educational collaborative focused on student success through career planning and opportunities, teacher qualifications and professional development, and enriching collaboration between all district partners and the local communities.
NECSS partners include EFE 070, Harper College and school districts 211, 214 and 220 — serving Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Wheeling. Each entity plays a vital role in assuring students are college and career ready, structuring learning environments where all students can succeed and acquire the skills for their career pathway of choice.
Across the region
Serving 23 communities throughout Chicago’s northwest suburbs
1
Community college
12
High schools
19
Middle schools
74
Elementary schools
10
Alternative / special-ed schools
Our Mission
NECSS members develop programs, share talent and data, and leverage joint resources to ensure that every elementary, high school and college graduate has the opportunity to be prepared for a global society, 21st-century careers, and postsecondary readiness and success.
Four Strategic Directions
01
Create a culture of innovation, accountability and transparency.
02
Develop programs with educational partners that inspire postsecondary education and career readiness as a life goal.
03
Increase completion and achievement of all students, with a focus on underperforming student groups.
04
Engage in partnerships to develop programs in existing and emerging career areas that enable students to succeed in a global economy.
Hands-on. Real-world. College-ready.
Career & Technical Education
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education provides students and adults with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training they will use throughout their careers. CTE introduces workplace competencies and makes academic content accessible by delivering it in a hands-on context — a main component of career planning that prepares students to be college and career ready.
Through CTE, students:
Explore career options in middle and high school, especially in high-demand, high-growth fields such as healthcare and green technologies.
Identify a career goal.
Write a learning and career plan with help from educators and school counselors.
Take classes that apply math, science and other subjects in real-life, hands-on ways.
Pursue a rigorous Program of Study toward apprenticeships, industry certifications, and two- and four-year college options.
Earn tuition-free college credits as well as high school credits required for graduation.
Become leaders by participating in skills competitions and community service.
Statewide Framework
How CTE is supported in Illinois
In 1984, legislation created Education for Employment (EFE) regions responsible for the delivery of Career and Technical Education across Illinois. The Northwest Suburban Education to Career Partnership is one of 58 EFE regions in the state.
Career Partnership responsibilities
Fiscal management of state and federal grants.
Formula reimbursement for classes in the ISBE-approved program sequence.
CTE staff professional development.
Career advisors in area high schools.
Regional organizational goals to the Illinois State Board of Education.
NECSS Initiatives
Working together to give students a head start.
TM
Transitional Math & Transitional English
This initiative works to increase the percentage of first-time, full-time freshmen from Harper’s feeder high school districts who begin in credit-bearing courses.
EC
Early College Credit Opportunities
The partnership plans and offers, with intentionality, the highest-quality Dual Credit, Advanced Placement and Credit by Exam opportunities — giving students a head start on a college degree or certificate.