Since the passage of legislation (Public Act 85-283) requiring Illinois colleges to report every 3 years the progress made to increase the participation and advancement of underrepresented groups, the state's community colleges have used both special population grant funds and local college funds to address the needs of these groups. This report summarizes statewide initiatives and college efforts to support special populations, which include minorities, females in nontraditional occupations, and students with disabilities, during fiscal year 1997. The first section includes data on the demographic representation of underrepresented groups in Illinois and Illinois community colleges. The report then discusses Illinois Community College Board financial support and community college initiatives supporting these underrepresented groups. Initiatives for minorities include community partnerships, programs to encourage participation in science and engineering fields, workforce preparation, mentoring, and recruiting and retaining minority staff. Programs for females strive to increase the representation of women in nontraditional careers, improve their success in mathematics and science, and provide workforce preparation and welfare assistance. In addition, attempts are being made to defray the cost of education and provide assistance programs for students with disabilities. Appendices include data on programs for the underrepresented. (YKH)