students and be beneficial in the recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse faculty and staff.
The College of DuPage developed a Faculty Minority Hire Contingency Fund. This program promotes equal employment opportunity and takes affirmative action against barriers that adversely affect the employment of minority applicants to faculty positions. Through this initiative, the College more fully capitalizes on the time and effort dedicated to advertising and recruiting faculty. College officials also have an expanded ability to hire qualified minority candidates. As part of the College’s commitment to minority hiring, this program was approved by the college administration and incorporated into the College of DuPage Affirmative Action Plan in January 2001. The program provides an annual contingency fund to hire up to three well-qualified minority candidates outside and/or in addition to the usual hiring process where growth exists or replacement faculty are needed. A portion of any remaining dedicated funds not used to hire minority candidates can be used for recruitment outreach initiatives including direct contact with minority faculty candidates living outside of the district. In its first year of operation, the maximum of three positions were identified and filled by minority faculty applicants, using the contingency fund. As of September 2002, the College hired two qualified tenure track minority faculty members through this program.
HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE READINESS AND TRANSITION PROGRAMS
The Bridge Scholarship Program is designed to assist students from underrepresented, disadvantaged, or low-income groups in their transition from GED or high school credit classes to college level coursework. The Bridge Scholarship Program at Black Hawk College is a Summer Orientation Program providing college-wide support for the successful transition of students into college. The Financial Aid Office, Enrollment Services, Advising and Counseling Services, Bookstore, Tutorial Services, Recruitment Services, and the Office of Intercultural and Community Affairs all assist students with the transition into college. The community also supports this program; with high school teachers and counselors, community agency personnel, community organizations and church leaders recommending students for the program. Students who qualify for the Bridge Scholarship Program include first-time enrollees in college, students of color, students who are indecisive about attending college, students with a desire to improve their academic record, and students who are college-bound and need additional assistance entering college. All tuition, fees, and books are provided by this college program. The Summer Bridge Program is limited to 60 students annually. Ninety-five percent of the students who complete the program enroll at that community college the following Fall. Eighty-five percent return for the Spring semester and following Fall.
The Early School Leavers program at Joliet Junior College offers job preparation training and education to students who drop out of high school. The mainstay of the program is to establish students in viable career paths and educational programs. The program provides a structured, cooperative work situation for participating students. In addition, the V-TECH Reporting System allows the program coordinators to monitor participants’ work behavior, including employment stability and advancement. The program has also developed a holistic career services package that assesses students’
