The College of Lake County (CLC) is a community college based in Grayslake, Illinois, with additional campuses in Waukegan and Vernon Hills. Founded on September 25, 1969, the college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. CLC is located in the far northeastern suburbs of Chicago, serving a district with the third largest population in the Illinois community college system and more than 50 demographically distinct communities.
The College of Lake County holds the following values to be the cornerstone to fulfilling its mission:
1. Learning:
- Compels us to create an atmosphere of academic excellence and life-long learning by pursuing the best ideas, approaches, and methods.
2. Integrity:
- Requires us to work together honestly and respectfully.
3. Quality:
- Commits us to ongoing continuous improvement and excellence.
4. Service:
- Calls on us to serve as a force for improving the educational, economic, social and cultural quality of life of our students and the community.
5. Accountability:
- Guides us to be responsible and exercise good stewardship.
6. Diversity:
- Drives us to embrace and respect the uniqueness of students, employees and community members.
Degrees and Certificates
The College of Lake County offers a wide range of academic program choices to meet students’ educational needs at different points in their lives. CLC serves over 15,000 students in university transfer programs, professional training and career development, GED and adult basic education, small business workshops, and non-credit personal enrichment for youth, adults and seniors. CLC associate degrees and certificates can be completed in two years or less of full-time study.
The University Center of Lake County
In 2005, the University Center of Lake County was built as an addition to the Grayslake campus. It is a consortium of Illinois four-year colleges and universities offering opportunities for local residents to complete or add to their education begun at CLC or elsewhere. While the University Center is functionally independent of CLC, its presence offers an opportunity for CLC students and other local residents to pursue further education without relocating or commuting a greater distance. Currently, there are 19 universities that offer classes at the University Center.
Homeschooled Students
According to the CLC website, homeschooled students “succeed and thrive at CLC. We accept most home-schooled credentials, and we offer an academic environment that fosters a smooth transition from home-based learning to a college classroom.”
The average CLC class size is 18 students, which means students will receive plenty of personal attention from their instructors. The college also offers many support services to encourage academic success, as well as opportunities to make friends and develop a social life.
CLC graduate and former homeschooler Valerie Perron said:
“Attending the College of Lake County after I graduated from being homeschooled my entire life was probably one of the best decisions my parents and I made. I know many families wonder what the transition from home school to college is like; let me tell you that CLC is the easiest transition for any student! I would encourage any homeschooled student to get involved with the Honors Program at CLC. All the professors for the classes are amazing! They love teaching, love their subject and love to get to know the students. You learn a lot and get to meet and study with other students who are passionate about learning and striving for what the education world has to offer them in their future.”