Community Resources

Illinois College Advising Corps

The mission of the Illinois College Advising Corps (ICAC) is to assist, educate, lead and inspire first generation, low-income, underrepresented youth in the enrollment and completion of post-secondary education. The ICAC organization pioneers innovative programs to address the college access and completion challenges faced by first generation, low-income and underrepresented secondary school students; ICAC directly and positively impacts the students, secondary school personnel, and communities we serve, thereby becoming a respected leader and advocate for underrepresented students who want to attend college.

Educational Talent Search

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participant with the post-secondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their post-secondary education.

Waukegan to College
http://www.waukegantocollege.org/

At Waukegan to College, we believe in the potential of Waukgan students! Our mission is to empower students and parents with the tools, resources, and support they need to follow their dreams through a college education. From 5th grade to college graduation, we offer a holistic approach beyond academics, including leadership development, social-emotional learning, and parental involvement.

Our extensive programming includes personalized 1-on-1 and group advising, tutoring/homework help, interactive college readiness workshops, and invaluable mentoring opportunities. Students and parents participate in inspiring college and career site visits, access SAT/ACT preparation, and receive comprehensive assistance with college and scholarship applications. We believe in meeting students where they are, embracing their unique journeys, and nurturing their aspirations—because every Waukegan student deserves the chance to follow their dream.

Our state-of-the-art Student Success Center is located at 410 Grand Avenue. It is the heart of our programming, complemented by onsite and after-school initiatives at John Lewis and Miguel Juarez Middle Schools and the College of Lake County. There are no minimum GPA requirements to join Waukegan to College—just a commitment to learn, grow, and work hard. We proudly celebrated our 100th college graduate in 2024, a testament to our commitment to building brighter futures for individuals and the community.

Ready to begin this transformative journey? Learn how to apply by visiting our website, speaking with your child’s teacher, or reaching out to Waukegan to College at [email protected] or by calling our office at 224-572-9221. Together, we can make dreams come true!

Illinois Student Assistance Commission
http://www.isac.org/

You have big plans. Big dreams. You know college is where to start. But a dream is not enough. College doesn't just happen; you have to work to make it a reality.ISAC can help you and your family navigate through the college and financial planning process, so you get to the school and program that s right for you with a smart financial plan to manage college costs. Explore the host of tools - and people - we offer to help you achieve your dreams. From online resources to explore careers, find colleges, and learn about applying for financial aid, to in person presentations and one-on-one assistance from our ISACorps members, we ve got you covered.

Waukegan Public Library
http://www.waukeganpl.org/

The Waukegan Public Library offers a variety of programs for the whole family. Homework help is available starting Kindergarten to 8th grade, Monday-Thursday, 5:30 7:30 pm. Other programs for children include storytimes, hands-on activities, and STEM-based programs. High School students are welcome to our multipurpose young adult space, The Corner, located on the main floor of the Library. Tutors are available to help with homework, SAT/ACT test prep and college applications, Monday-Thursday, 4:00 6:00 pm. For adults, we offer a variety of classes, ranging from conversational ESL and ESL tutoring, computer classes, functional health literacy and health fairs, adult one-to-one tutoring, a pathway to GED/high school completion in English and Spanish, and more! For more information, please contact Karina Martinez at 847-775-2565 or [email protected].

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