CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Beginning this week, University of Illinois students are gaining access to free, comprehensive test prep courses to help them better prepare for graduate admissions and licensing exams, unlocking equitable pathways to in-demand career fields like nursing, teaching, cybersecurity, and more.
U of I campus enrollment has kicked off the Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program, a first-of-its-kind workforce development and education initiative that will make more than 40 test prep courses available to over 56,000 students at no cost to them. Available test prep includes graduate-level and licensing exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and NCLEX as well as professional skills and licensure courses in data analytics, project management, real estate, and more.
Last month, Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to provide free comprehensive test prep services to all students attending public universities (and five community colleges). In its first three weeks, the program has saved students more than $1 million in costs associated with test prep.
“By providing free access to Kaplan’s test preparation resources, U. of I. will better prepare its students to excel in graduate admissions and professional licensing exams, further enhancing the university’s tradition of academic and professional success,” shared Chantelle Thompson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Operations in Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “This program gives students a head start on their careers, whether they’re pursuing advanced degrees or want to hit the ground running in their first post-collegiate roles.”
The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program is the result of a commitment by the State of Illinois, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), and leading educational services provider, Kaplan. Ultimately, it aims to boost in-state enrollment at public universities, create career pathways for students from underserved urban and rural communities, and address the state’s critical shortages in essential professions such as doctors and teachers.