John Wood Community College (JWCC), the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) and Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) are launching a new regional partnership to bring the rootEd Alliance model to Illinois. The collaboration addresses a shared regional priority: providing every student who graduates with a college and career plan after high school.
 
Beginning in late fall, the partnership will expand from Southeastern, Payson Seymour, Unity and Griggsville-Perry  to an additional three to five high schools across West Central Illinois.
 
Supporting Schools with College and Career Advisors
The rootED philosophy provides advisors who offer free, individualized college and career planning inside participating high schools and work alongside school counselors. RootEd advisors focus on postsecondary planning such as exploring careers, completing financial aid, and making college, trade school or workforce plans, which allows existing school counseling teams extra capacity to support student wellness, academic success, and other daily needs.
 
RootEd advisors serve students and schools, not any one college or institution. Whether a student chooses a community college, university, apprenticeship, career and technical education, military service or direct employment, advisors help students identify the path that best fits their goals.
 
Partnerships to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce
 
As a regional community college, JWCC is uniquely positioned to bring schools, community partners and workforce resources together. Its commitment to guided pathways initiative extends beyond enrollment at JWCC to help students across the region see and pursue the many opportunities available to them after high school.
 
“John Wood Community College has a responsibility to bring partners together around educational and workforce challenges that affect our entire region,” said Dr. Aron Potter, president of John Wood Community College. “This initiative is about making sure that every student graduates with a plan for what comes next. Our communities are stronger when every student has the support and opportunity to succeed.”
 
Making Connections with Employers
GREDF will assist with career exploration by helping rootED advisors connect students with job shadows, internships and other career experiences aligned with their interests.
 
“Connecting students with local career opportunities helps them see a future right here in West Central Illinois,” said Kyle Moore, President at the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “By connecting students with employers, job shadows and internships, we’re helping them make informed decisions about their future while strengthening our region’s workforce.”
 
2026 Pilot Project
Supported by the Tracy Family Foundation, the partnership launched a pilot program last year at four high schools. The early results include:
88 seniors received individualized advising.
100% completed one-on-one advising.
100% completed the FAFSA with support.
97% developed a postsecondary plan.
90% completed applications aligned with their goals.
84% reported confidence in their chosen pathway at graduation.
 
Investing in the Future
“This initiative is a great example of what can happen when education, philanthropy and workforce partners come together around a shared goal,” said Angie Schlater, Senior Programs Manager for the Tracy Family Foundation. “We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful future. We are proud to invest in a partnership that is expanding opportunities for students and helping more young people graduate with a career plan for what comes next.”
 
Sara Deters will serve as the rootEd regional director, leading partnerships with schools and community organizations. Chad Cleveland, Marcy Wort and Jennifer Mowen will serve as the rootEd advisors, working directly with students and families in participating high schools. Jennifer Mowen serves as an in-house rootEd advisor specifically for Griggsville-Perry High School.
 
“RootEd gives students someone in their corner who can help turn ideas into a real plan,” said Sara Deters, rootEd regional director. “Our goal is to meet students where they are, help them understand the opportunities available to them and support them as they take the next steps toward their future.”
 
RootEd Alliance was created in 2018 to help rural students access the guidance they need to plan for life after high school. With the addition of the Illinois partnership among JWCC, TFF and GREDF, rootEd advisors now serve nearly 90,000 students in 280 rural high schools across seven states. The model has helped increase the number of students pursuing college and career training, improve FAFSA completion and connect more students with opportunities that lead to successful careers.

More information about rootEd is available from Sara Deters at 217.641.4347 or sdeters@jwcc.edu.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and Hancock County Economic Development (HCED) announced a strategic partnership that brings dedicated, professional economic development services to Hancock County and connects the county to a regional network.

As the centerpiece of the partnership, GREDF is hiring a Regional Director of Workforce Development & Hancock County Business Development, a new position dedicated to supporting Hancock County businesses, leading business retention and expansion visits, and building workforce solutions tailored to local industry needs. Recruitment is underway now, and candidates from Hancock County are strongly encouraged to apply.

Through the partnership, Hancock County employers, schools, and residents will gain access to GREDF’s proven regional programs, including Career Spark, a hands-on career exploration expo for students and more opportunities which connect employers with the regional talent pipeline; and the ScaleUp and Secure program for growing businesses. GREDF will also pursue grant funding for priorities identified in the HCED Action Plan 2026.

“Successful economic development requires a regional mindset and a willingness to collaborate across community lines,” said Kyle Moore, President of GREDF. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our collective resources and create a more coordinated approach to supporting businesses, attracting investment, and developing the workforce our region needs for the future.”

For Hancock County, the partnership provides increased access to professional economic development expertise, enhanced organizational capacity, and additional tools to support existing businesses, attract new investment, and develop workforce solutions aligned with local industry needs.

“This partnership is an important step forward for Hancock County,” said Amy Bruenger, Board Chair of Hancock County Economic Development. “By working with GREDF, we are enhancing our ability to serve businesses, pursue new opportunities, and provide the resources necessary to support continued economic growth.”

Work begins immediately. This month, the partners will launch HCED’s 2026 membership drive, begin one-on-one meetings with business and community stakeholders across the county, and expand HCED’s outreach and social media presence. Hancock County businesses interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact either organization.

About GREDF

Founded in 1978, the Great River Economic Development Foundation leads business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts in Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, and collaborates regionally along the Mississippi River with Western Illinois and Northeast Missouri. GREDF’s programs include the Adams County GROW housing program, the Business Concierge service, and GREAT River FAME. Learn more at www.gredf.org.

About HCED

Hancock County Economic Development is dedicated to fostering business growth, investment, and community development across Hancock County, Illinois. Established in June 2013, the organization primarily focuses on retaining and expanding the existing businesses and workforce. Their mission is to boost the economic vitality of Hancock County, Illinois. For more information, visit www.growhancock.com.