(a) Public high school graduates may attain College and Career Pathway Endorsements on high school diplomas in accordance with the requirements of Section 80 of this Act. The IPIC Agencies shall establish and administer a system for awarding and supporting College and Career Pathway Endorsements in accordance with the requirements of Sections 80 and 85 of this Act and oversee its implementation in accordance with the timelines set forth in Section 90 of this Act.
     (b) The College and Career Pathway Endorsements System is established for the purposes of:

Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 110 ILCS 148/75

  • State: when applied to different parts of the United States, may be construed to include the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" may be construed to include the said district and territories. See Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 70/1.14

         (1) recognizing and incentivizing student attainment
    
of knowledge and demonstration of skills important for success in both postsecondary education and employment;
        (2) encouraging career exploration and development to
    
improve students’ decision-making for subsequent education and career advancement;
        (3) promoting greater consistency of college and
    
career pathway program structures within particular sectors;
        (4) aligning supports from the State, employers, and
    
regional intermediary support organizations; and
        (5) institutionalizing college and career pathways as
    
a key strategy for preparing more Illinois students for postsecondary education success and rewarding career opportunities.