Bloomington, IL — March 25, 2025 — The Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC), which serves students from across McLean County, is proud to announce its official rebranding to the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA) as it prepares for an exciting new chapter in career and technical education. The transition comes as part of the Academy’s relocation to District 87’s newly named Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center located at 2309 E. Oakland Avenue, a space that is currently being renovated to open in the Fall of 2025. This Academy will be an innovative space for career and technical education.
This rebranding reflects a continued commitment to enhancing career and technical education for students across McLean County. The Bloomington Career Academy will offer cutting-edge facilities, including specialized classrooms, kitchens, automotive workspaces, and advanced technical training areas equipping students with industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare them for in-demand careers.
"This is an incredible milestone for Bloomington Career Academy and the students we serve," said Bryce Hansen, Director of the Bloomington Career Academy. "With this rebrand and our relocation to the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center, we are reaffirming our dedication to providing high-quality, career-focused education that meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce."
A New Era for Career and Technical Education
The Fall 2025 opening of the Bloomington Career Academy marks a significant investment in the future of workforce development. As the transition moves forward, the Bloomington Career Academy will continue working with community partners, local businesses, and educational institutions to ensure that students are equipped for success in their chosen career fields.
The Bloomington Career Academy will continue to provide students with a diverse range of career pathways, including:
Automotive Technology and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation
CDL Trucking
Construction Trades and Welding
Computer Technology and Networking
Cybersecurity
Graphic Design and Video Production
Health Careers & Medical Terminology
Certified Nursing Assistant and Advanced CNA
Cosmetology & Esthetics
Culinary Arts
Criminal Justice, EMT-Basic, and Fire Science
Robotics and Engineering
Foundations of Teaching
The enhanced facility will allow students to learn in an environment that mirrors real-world industry settings, providing valuable credentials, dual-credit opportunities, and professional experience. The transition also aligns with a broader vision of collaboration, innovation, and raising expectations for student success.
Olympia has around 50 students each year that participate in courses at the Bloomington Area Career Academy. The opportunities our students have through the Bloomington Area Career Academy are high quality and often lead to post secondary degrees or additional technical certifications. We are excited about the new space and the new opportunities we will see for our students.