Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow

🚨 Reminder: LIFT is closed today (9/2/24) in observance of Labor Day.

🙋‍♂️ Hands up if you're excited for another year of learning and leading! 🚀 We are off to another amazing year at LIFT! 🎉 Students from across the region are diving into our 7 pathways: 🍼 Childcare 🎤 Communications 👩‍🍳 Culinary Arts & Hospitality 🌍 HVAC & Green Energy 📡 Information Technology 🌟 Leadership Institute 🏗️ Manufacturing, Architecture, Construction, & Electrical If you're interested in learning more, visit mcusd2.org/lift. 🔗

🎉 Help us celebrate these amazing students who received their NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) Carpentry Level 1 certification this past semester! 🏆 Congratulations to Will P. (Mattoon Community Unit School District 2) and Derrick S. (Arthur CUSD #305)! 👏 These certifications prepare students to enter the workforce in the carpentry field. They had to complete both written and performance tests on all modules to receive their certification. The program is designed to help students learn general carpentry skills. NCCER's credentials are recognized by the construction industry as the training, assessment, certification, and career development standard for construction and maintenance craft professionals. 🛠️🏠🏢 Interested in a career in the Carpentry field? Enroll now for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

Support the Birth-to-3 Program during their wristlet fundraiser through July 17! 🎉 Wristlets are just $15 each and proceeds will go towards purchasing onesies for newborns in the program. 👶💕 You can order by visiting the link: mcusd2.org/BirthTo3WristletFundraiser Or by calling 217-238-8903. 📞

📣 🎉 Student Success Story: 🎉📣 Meet Bianca Arguelles, a 2024 Graduate from Arcola High School who was enrolled in the LIFT Communications program this past semester! From the start, Bianca's commitment to excellence was evident as she delved into every facet of newscasting. She worked behind-the-scenes as a scriptwriter and interviewer and in front of the camera as a news reporter. Bianca was also a valued member of the LIFT Student Leadership team. One of Bianca's most cherished experiences is the news partnership with elementary students from Riddle and Williams Elementary schools in Mattoon. After her time and experiences at LIFT, Bianca's aspires to pursue a career in the broadcasting field. Her journey with the LIFT Communications program not only shaped her skills but also fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment in her achievements. As we celebrate Bianca's successes, we do so with pride and anticipation for the bright future she is destined to carve out in the world of broadcasting. 🎬🎥 This is just one of so many student success stories at LIFT! Join us to EXPLORE where LIFT could LEAD you! 😁 Enroll now for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

Happy Fourth of July! Wishing you a joyful and safe celebration on this special day in American history. A reminder, all MCUSD#2 offices, including LIFT, are closed.🇺🇸🎆

📣 🎉 Student Success Story: 🎉📣 Meet Evan Chaney! Evan is a 2024 graduate from Mattoon. While enrolled at LIFT, he was able to take courses in the Communications and Leadership Pathway. Evan completed his LIFT coursework ahead of schedule in order to graduate early and begin his career with the U.S. Army, where he will be able to utilize some of the leadership skills he gained here! We thank Evan for choosing to serve our country and will be sending our support throughout his journey. Pictured are photos from the surprise party that students and facilitators planned for him while in session and a picture from his private graduation ceremony. 🪖🤝 This is just one of so many student success stories at LIFT! Join us to EXPLORE where LIFT could LEAD you! 😁 Enroll now for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

LIFT was honored to welcome Dr. Tony Sanders (ISBE State Superintendent), Matt Seaton (ISBE CFO), Paul Walker (Franklin Covey Global CEO), Sean Covey (Franklin Covey Education President), Chapin Rose (Illinois State Senator), Dr. Kyle Thompson (ROE 11 Superintendent), parents, students, industry partners, and other distinguished guests on April 25, 2024 for an Education and Economic Convening. Attendees experienced a student-led showcase highlighting LIFT’s programming, outcomes, and economic impact. National and state leaders saw firsthand how the LIFT model supports our regional economy and develops student leaders by equipping them with skills, certifications, credentials, dual credits, and workplace experiences. 🤝👩‍💼💼

📣 🎉 Student Success Story: 🎉📣 Meet Michael Smith from Mattoon. Michael is a 2024 graduate and has been enrolled in the I.T. Pathway at LIFT since it opened. During his time here, he has earned his JSE Certified Entry Level Programmer certification and is in the process of obtaining his CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate). Michael has utilized his programming knowledge and skills gained from LIFT and ClassE to start his own business, Momentum Webgraphics, which specializes in websites, logos, and marketing. Additionally, he has participated in numerous service and leadership opportunities, including being a tour guide, panelist for events, and keynote speaker. We are so proud of Michael and wish him the best in his future endeavors at EIU this fall, where he will major in Computer and Information Technology. 💼 This is just one of so many student success stories at LIFT! Join us to EXPLORE where LIFT could LEAD you! 😁 Enroll now for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

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🎉 Tomorrow is the big day! 🎉 🏃‍♀️ 5K, Duathlon, Duathlon Team, and 1 Mile Fun Run 🚴‍♂️ 🗓️ May 25, 2024 at 8:00 AM 📍 Riddle Elementary School ✍️ Register online: mcusd2.org/LIFTRace 📖 All proceeds will support LIFT tuition scholarships Join us for the after party: 🎈 Bounce houses 🧗‍♂️ Obstacle courses 🎧 DJ 🍔 LIFT Culinary Arts Grill 📸 Photo booth 🎨 Tattoo station & more!

There's still time to get your tickets! We have teamed up with Rural King Supply to raffle off these amazing prizes! Help us raise money to support students throughout our region! Tickets are just $50 each and we will draw for winners this Saturday (May 25th, 2024) at Riddle Elementary School during the First Annual LIFT Race. You do not need to be present to win. Call 217-238-8900 or stop by LIFT to purchase your tickets! 🎫

🎉 7 days until the first annual LIFT Race! Don't miss out on the excitement! 🗓️ 🏃‍♀️ 5K, Duathlon, Duathlon Team, and 1 Mile Fun Run 🚴‍♂️ 🗓️ May 25, 2024 at 8:00 AM 📍 Riddle Elementary School ✍️ Register online: mcusd2.org/LIFTRace After party will include: 🎉 🎈 Bounce houses 🧗‍♂️ Obstacle courses 🎧 DJ 🍔 LIFT Culinary Arts Grill 📸 Photo booth 🎨 Tattoo station & more! 📖 All proceeds will support LIFT tuition scholarships! 📖

Students in the eMAC pathway at LIFT have been using their skills to serve others. Yahya Mavi, Caden Musgraves, and Andrew Stutzman, met with business owners at the Doggie Depot, developed plans, and constructed the items pictured as a service project connected with their course. Pictured is Team Leader Yahya Mavi and owner Brian Gillaspie.

The Information Technology Pathway recently took a field trip to Cisco in Chicago. Students met with engineers and other representatives from Cisco for presentations and a career panel. 💻 Cisco is a fortune 100 company (nearly $200 Billion USD). We appreciate them for allowing us to visit and for their wonderful partnership! 🤝 If any upcoming Juniors or Seniors in our region are interested in I.T., enrollment is open for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

Don't miss out! We have teamed up with Rural King Supply to raffle off some pretty amazing prizes! Help us raise money to support students throughout our region! Tickets are just $50 each and we will draw for winners on Saturday, May 25th at Riddle Elementary School during the First Annual LIFT Race. You do not need to be present to win. Call 217-238-8900 or stop by LIFT to purchase your tickets! 🎫

📣 🎉 Student Success Story: 🎉📣 Meet Ean Gardner from Charleston CUSD 1. Ean is a senior and has been a HVAC & Green Energy Student since the opening of LIFT. Taking 3 semesters of Robotics, and 1 semester of Electric Vehicle Technology, Ean has made the most of his time here! Over the course of his studies, Ean has earned two factory certifications in robotics from FANUC, a world leader in industrial robotics systems. He has participated in the assembly of a full scale electric vehicle, assembling battery packs, provisioning battery management systems, and programming drivetrain control software. Ean has also been taking part in our workplace experience program. He has been working with the production engineering department at a local manufacturer to put his robotic system programming knowledge to the test in real world scenarios. Two days a week he has been on site at the plant working with their engineers, and the remaining 3 days he has been working at LIFT accomplishing programming using robotic provisioning software and data assigned by the sponsoring business partner. 💼 This is just one of so many student success stories at LIFT! Join us to EXPLORE where LIFT could LEAD you! 😁 Enroll now for the Fall semester! If you are a returning student, apply online at mcusd2.org/enroll-LIFT. If you are new to LIFT, please start the application process by speaking to your high school guidance counselor. 📝

Get the LIFT Race T-Shirt when you sign up to participate by Friday! 🏃🚴‍♀️ 5K, Duathlon, Duathlon Team, and 1 Mile Fun Run 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️ 🗓️ May 25, 2024 at 8:00 AM 📍 Riddle Elementary School ✍️ Register online: mcusd2.org/LIFTRace 📖 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬! 📖

Exciting News! Join us for the LIFT Student Capstone & Showcase🌟 🎓 Save the date: Thursday, May 9th, from 6-7:30 PM at LIFT 📅 Don't miss out on hearing from our amazing student leaders, exploring their projects, meeting our facilitators, and celebrating the hard work of our students. See you there!🤝🎉

LIFT students recently had the opportunity to represent LIFT at CTE Showcase Day at the State Capitol in March. This was an amazing experience for our students and staff! 💼🤝