Upward Mobility Program
The State of Illinois Upward Mobility Program is a career mobility program designed to give state employees an opportunity to advance to more challenging, higher paying positions. It is a joint venture between CMS and AFSCME. Employees receive individual counseling to inform them of the career opportunities available and to guide them in developing their career plans. Participants take proficiency exams and/or complete required education and training programs designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed for advancement.
The program covers all tuition costs at public institutions and up to $400 a credit hour for undergraduate courses and $450 for masters courses at private schools. Approved tuition and registration costs are paid directly to the schools by the Upward Mobility Program.
Employees can work toward advancement in five major career paths: Data Processing, Office Services, Accounting, Human Services, and Medical.
The Upward Mobility Program is open to certified AFSCME-represented employees who are interested in career advancement in targeted job titles. There is at least one registration period scheduled each year.
Participants in the Upward Mobility Program have more than 50 targeted job titles to choose from.
If you are like most people, you have probably experienced some degree of test anxiety at one time or another.
Test anxiety is the feeling of fear you have when your performance is about to be evaluated. When you experience this type of anxiety, your abilities to think and to pay attention drop at the time you need them most. What can you do to alleviate this anxiety you feel during the testing process?
The Upward Mobility Program and the AFSCME Personal Support Program have prepared a booklet, "Tips to Control Test Anxiety", which contains an overview of the many ways to better manage your test anxiety. Please follow the Step-by-Step method of controlling test anxiety. Check off the steps that you already follow and concentrate on those you may need. The booklet is in PDF format and may be viewed using Acrobat Reader.
List of schools currently approved by the Upward Mobility Program.
Guidelines governing the Upward Mobility Program.
Write or call the Upward Mobility Program for more information.
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