History and Mission

The University Council for Career and Technical Education (Council) has functioned, in one form or another, in Illinois since 1969. The group has a history of proven facilitation practices upon which Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the state has been built. The council has historically been comprised of representatives from eight or fewer public universities throughout the state. At present, the group comprises representatives from six universities (Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University). The council is based on a recognized need for statewide coordination of efforts to strengthen cooperation and linkages among agencies that prepare professional education personnel and organizations that work with youth and adults, preparing them to transit from school to work. Included among these agencies and organizations are Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), public universities in Illinois, Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Community College Board (ISBE), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO), elementary and secondary education agencies and other existing and emerging agencies throughout the state.

The mission of the council is to:

• Foster and support career and technical education in Illinois university;
• Participate in statewide initiatives through innovative teacher education and other programs; and
• Strengthen ties among the Illinois State Board of Education and higher education, post-secondary education, elementary and secondary education, and other agencies in Illinois.