McHenry County College

Overview

McHenry County College (MCC) is a technical college in Illinois offering a wide range of academic and vocational programs that serve both local and regional communities. As part of the Illinois Community College system, MCC provides high-quality, affordable, and accessible education that meets the needs of its students and local industries.

The Challenge

MCC faced a challenge: many programs that were once effective no longer met employers' needs. Local businesses struggled to find graduates with the right hands-on experience, leaving key positions unfilled. Employers noted that new hires weren't job-ready. MCC realized that long-standing programs should be better aligned with current industry needs.

MCC knew it needed to update courses and assessments, invest in new technology, and work with industry experts to keep training relevant. MCC needed to bridge the gap between education and employment while promoting equal opportunity for all students.

The WIDS Solution

MCC partnered with WIDS to address these complex curriculum challenges. WIDS began by engaging faculty, employers, and advisory committees in a process to orient all parties to the projects’ mission, goals, and timelines and their individual roles within the greater scope.

WIDS then facilitated a modified Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) process with 5-12 local employers per program to identify the tasks and duties for each program-related job. WIDS also asked employers to provide recommendations for course content, and specific job-related tools and equipment needed to better align programs with workforce needs.

Next, WIDS compiled the results from the DACUM and employer input. Using the employer input as a guide, WIDS collaborated with MCC to refine program sequences, suggest stackable credentials, align outcomes with industry standards, and integrate work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships.  

Finally, WIDS produced reports that provided students and stakeholders with defined, industry-aligned program outcomes and well-defined career pathways that detail where courses or course sequences lead to industry-specific job opportunities or promotions.

The Result

MCC's partnership with WIDS had immediate, impactful results. In the first year of collaboration, MCC revamped 10 Programs of Study followed by 7 more in the second. This partnership helped MCC close the gap between education and the workforce. In addition, MCC now has the tools and processes in place to update curriculum quickly as industry needs evolve, ensuring that all current and future students have access to well-define career pathway information and are, ultimately, well-prepared for the job market.