The Illinois Community College Board will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education Month.  This year’s theme is Opportunities for Career Success!  Career and Technical Education plays a vital role in meeting workforce demands by preparing individuals for high-skill, in-demand jobs that further Illinois’ global competitiveness.  Last year 66.9 percent of all Illinois community college graduates earned a CTE degree or certificate.  Illinois has seen continued growth and demand for postsecondary CTE in both higher completion rates and increased program offerings.  Since fiscal year 2011, overall, CTE graduates have increased approximately 12 percent at Illinois’ community colleges.  To meet workforce demands, 615 new CTE programs were approved last year at community colleges across the state.  Innovative business and industry partnership flourish across the Illinois community college system.  The Illinois Community College Board is the state coordinating board for community colleges.  Illinois is home to 48 community colleges in 39 districts and has the third largest community college system in the nation serving close to 1 million residents each year in credit and non-credit courses.