Enhance Your Education

Find your purpose

Discover more outside of the classroom.

Your time at CLC is filled with connections that enrich your post-graduate life. Whether you’re earning as you learn or crossing borders to expand your horizons, CLC has endless opportunities to grow.

Being part of these groups can lead to inspiring experiences that enrich you personally and financially. We strive to develop your whole person.

Learning doesn’t happen in the classroom alone. Develop leadership skills and have experiences that will give you memories that last for years to come.

Explore

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Challenge yourself

If you like learning, doing more than what’s expected and striving for excellence, CLC has options to bring it to the next level.

If you’re up to the challenge, CLC Scholars is a program with a rigorous, intensive curriculum designed for students who may pursue graduate work.
Learn about the CLC Scholars Program.
Flex your learning muscles in a range of academic competitions. Compete for prizes, bragging rights and even scholarships. 
- SkillsUSA – The largest gathering of America’s Future Skilled Workforce.
- Speech & Debate
Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Competitions
Prove your skills against students from seven other community colleges:
- STEM Poster Competition
- Writer’s Competition
- Art Competition
- Jazz Competition
- Athletic events
Take courses that get you out of the classroom. Connect with an advisor to ensure your credits will count towards your transfer or career goals. Be sure to review the:
- Application deadline
- Contact information
- Course descriptions
- Estimated cost
- Information sessions
Learn more about travel study in the U.S.
New skills, more fun, less time commitment.
At CLC, our noncredit classes are rich in content, relaxing and enlightening. Learners of all ages can develop new hobbies and meet new people while learning from talented instructors who are experts in their subjects.

Global options

Looking to experience life beyond Lake County? With the different global enhancement options at CLC, you can expand your horizons and experience these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Expand your horizons with CLC’s Study abroad program. Studying abroad instantly opens more universities for transfer, showing that you love to experience new things. You can choose a short-term or a long-term stay in a variety of locations.
On top of attending fun, new classes, you’ll experience new cultures, guided tours, cooking classes and maybe even a baby goat or two. It’s your chance to expand your worldview and become more competitive in the workplace.
Learn more about study abroad at CLC
The Global Citizenship Milestone is a 12 credit, interdisciplinary program that allows you to explore cultures both within and outside the U.S. It promotes equity through coursework and understanding, providing a great alternative to study abroad programs.
After you finish the program, you receive a transcript notation of distinction, giving you a boost in your credentials for transfer and/or career programs that you might look into.

Work and learn

Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to your career at CLC. You have opportunities to start your career early as you continue to earn your degree. You’ll develop professional connections, career-specific skills and a paycheck too!

Use what you learned in the classroom in the real world through CLC’s internship program. Internships are amazing opportunities for you to gain valuable work experience and form lifelong professional connections.
You’ll have clearly defined goals that correlate to your interests and schoolwork and earn feedback from your supervisor. Employers love interns as they give them the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent that could serve their future employment needs.
Gain experience and on-the-job training with a company mentor where you work and augment your knowledge with industry-specific classes.
By completing an apprenticeship, you’re building your career path while you’re earning your degree. You'll learn advanced skills that meet the specific need of your employer in a flexible setting.
Learn how to become an apprentice

Hear from students who used our Career & Job Placement Center services to gain internships, improve resume and interview skills, and connect with employers. Learn about workshops, apprenticeships and more!

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Watch CJPC video on YouTube

Latest news

From classroom to career: How College of Lake County CAD-Drafting students are building the future

After a workplace injury, Travis Taylor enrolled in the CAD-Drafting Technology program at College of Lake County. And he became an apprentice with UCC Environmental in Waukegan, Ill. Both helped him pivot to a new career without taking on student debt.
How to land a career-boosting internship: College of Lake County experts weigh in

In today's competitive job market, college internships are more important than ever. But getting a good one can be challenging. Not to worry, College of Lake County is here to help.
CLC receives 2026 Talent Advancement Award from Lake County Partners

Lake County Partners presented CLC with the 2026 Talent Advancement Award for having a lasting impact on talent development in Lake County.
Criminal Justice students get paid to serve in rare apprenticeship program

While most criminal justice students learn policing in a classroom, some College of Lake County students are already flying drones on the job and on the clock through a unique apprentice program with the Gurnee Police Department.

Explore what else is happening

What students say about CLC

Travis Taylor
Graduate + Apprentice
“I'm very glad I went through the program.”
Travis enrolled in CLC's CAD-Drafting Technology program and became an apprentice with UCC Environmental in Waukegan, Ill. Both helped him pivot to a new career without taking on student debt.
Read Travis' story
Riley Pemstein
Transfer student
“If you take advantage of what CLC provides, it'll really benefit you in the future. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t pursue that internship.”
Riley took general education courses at CLC. He then transferred to University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign. The internship he got through CLC led him to study accounting and earn his CPA license. He now works as a tax accountant.
Read Riley's story
Izzy Reyes
Graduate
"If I hadn't taken advantage of the Career & Job Placement Center resources, I don't think I would be where I am today. I wouldn't have found that internship. I wouldn't have gained that experience."
Izzy studied graphic design at CLC. She used Career & Job Placement Center (CJPC) services to chart a new career path.
Learn how CJPC helps you get a job
Estefanni Caballero
Graduate
"My advice for CLC students is to look for opportunities and get out of your comfort zone."
Estefanni's experience at CLC prepared her to transfer to Lake Forest College. Now pursuing a bachelor's degree, she also works in marketing at Fischer Paper Products to gain professional experience.
- Read about Estefanni's journey
- Watch her video story