MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) – In just three years, the Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT) program has transformed career and technical education in Central Illinois, by offering students hands-on experience and a pathway to success after graduation.
A group of 30 students participate in classroom discussion at LIFT Mattoon.
LIFT, which serves students from 28 area high schools, continues to grow, providing state-of-the-art resources in multiple career fields. McLain Schaefer, the director of LIFT, reflected on the rapid expansion of the program.
"Starting year 1 with about 100 students, from Mattoon, and from our regional schools," he said. "Fast-forward to this year, we had over 250 students from 17 different schools."
LIFT recently received the designation of an Area Career Center by the Illinois State Board of Education, making it the 27th in the state and only the third to be added in the past 50 years. This status allows for increased funding and resources, ensuring even more students can access cutting-edge programs.
The center's unique learning environment offers students opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Programs include Childcare, Communications, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, HVAC & Green Energy, Information Technology, Leadership, and Manufacturing, Architecture, Construction & Electrical.
Schaefer emphasized LIFT’s mission, "We can say 99% of the students who graduate from LIFT have a plan after graduation. So, whether that is Ivy League, whether it is straight to work and anywhere in between, we want to put a period where maybe kids have a question mark."
For students like Alexis Miller, a senior at Mattoon High School, LIFT has been a game-changer. She told WAND News she always saw herself pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism. Through opportunities at LIFT, she can expand on that passion and spearhead new projects.
"The great thing about LIFT is that there are not a lot of boundaries. I mean, if you want to work on a project with students from other floors or even out in the community, you have those opportunities," she shared.
For Jonika Nickles, a LIFT graduate now studying Agribusiness at Lakeland College, was a part the Leadership Institute at LIFT. She told WAND News the program provided both career skills and a strong sense of community.
"I learned I needed to be on my A-game when I was doing my content here, and that carried over into Lake Land."
"I was part of the Leadership Institute at LIFT, and it taught me so much about business and time management. The facilitators here genuinely care about students and their success,” Ika said. "I don’t know where I’d be without this program.”
The Community has also played a role in LIFT’s success. Schaefer noted that LIFT’s success is only possible because of strong support from the community, businesses, and partner schools.
"None of this happens without the support of our community and the amazing facilitating team we have here," he said. "I am just a voice carrying the message, but this is hundreds of fingerprints and people who believe in the mission and vision of what we are trying to do."
As LIFT continues to expand, enrollment remains open for students interested in taking part in this innovative educational experience. To learn more, click here.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
