SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The South Suburban College (SSC) Department of Continuing, Corporate, and Community (C3) Education and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp. This 2-week accelerated boot camp program is especially helpful for those who have been in the workforce before, but are currently or were recently unemployed, and are looking to kickstart a career in the growing manufacturing sector.

Nancy Burrows, a CAIC program coordinator stated, “Many people who work in manufacturing are retiring. Companies are seeking people with a myriad of skills who are eager to advance. We are hopeful that this partnership between the CAIC and SSC will help address the needs of our communities.”

Students who complete the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp earn the National Safety Council forklift certification. They will also receive safety training. Participants will go on a plant tour, interview with potential employers and have the opportunity to connect with college representatives as well.

“The Chicago Southland is rich with manufacturing companies. It’s a great boost for the economy of the area to have people who can live and work in the same vicinity,” Burrows remarked.

The Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp begins on Monday, September 12, 2022 and ends on Friday, September 23, 2022. It runs weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program will take place at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Center, located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452. Seating is limited and registration is required.

More information is available at: calumetareaindustrial.com/bridge-program. Contact Nancy Burrows at (773) 517-3708 or email nancy@calumetareaindustrial.com for additional details or to register. Gervaise Edwards, Manager of C3 at SSC, can also be reached at (708) 210-5723 or via email at gedwards@ssc.edu.

Funding for the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp is provided by an H-1B US Department of Labor One Workforce Grant and the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) was recently recognized by The Conservation Foundation, one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds, and promoting stewardship of the environment of northeastern Illinois.

The acknowledgement came due in part to the college’s long-standing rain garden, bird feeder, community garden, and being home to indigenous trees planted throughout campus for the last 30 years. These plantings are already part of an annual gathering which serves to additionally maintain certification with the National Arbor Day Foundation.

“Students have helped a lot with planting of trees, campus cleanup, and trying to attract wildlife,” said Environmental Science and Biology Instructor, Eric Myers, Ph.D., who applied for the recognition earlier in the year as head of the SSC Sustainability Committee. After the application was submitted, representatives from The Conservation Foundation evaluated the campus grounds on two separate occasions before the distinction was made official. “I wanted the organization to be aware of our campus initiatives so we can get some recognition for the sustainable work that’s been going on here long before I arrived,” stated Myers.

Official recognition signage can be found at the college’s rain garden, which is often inhabited by butterflies, dragonflies and bees flying throughout the area. “A lot of insects and birds in North America are in decline,” Myers added, “and that’s mostly because of a lack of habitat.” Due to the team effort of the SSC community, the college is now home to many sand pipers, blue wing teals, American toads and green frogs. Myers concluded, “I hope that local residents will follow in SSC’s footsteps, taking the opportunity to grow native plants, using a minimal amount of chemicals, and reusing rain water on their home properties when possible.”

Details about SSC’s recognition by The Conservation Foundation and the Sustainability Committee can be directed to Eric Myers, Ph.D. at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2318 or via email at emyers@ssc.edu. The community at large is welcome to visit the SSC rain garden, located on the southern side of the Physical Fitness and Athletic Center on the South Suburban College Main Campus, located at 15800 S. State St. South Holland, IL.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) was awarded a $847,867.68 grant by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). SSC is working with colleges across the State of Illinois under the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Act to provide support for new students in the field of early childhood education while assisting incumbent workers to enroll in and complete degree or certificate programs.

SSC offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education in addition to Level II and Level III certificate options. The program is geared toward those interested in a career working with children from birth to 8 years old. “We are very excited to receive this grant at SSC,” said Anna Helwig, Ph.D., Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We have hired an early childhood education coach who will be the conduit between the institution and navigators who work directly with regional early childhood centers.” This coach will begin employment at South Suburban College on August 1, 2022.

In addition to hiring support staff, the grant will also be utilized to update classroom technology and provide students studying early childhood education with laptops to borrow to enhance their learning experience. These SSC students will also have access to apply for special emergency funds, a debt relief program and stipend to be administered once they achieve their academic goal of attaining a degree or certificate with a concentration in early childhood education.

A key goal of the 3-year grant will be to streamline, coordinate, and improve the accessibility of degree completion pathways to benefit those working in and served by the industry in addition to employers of early childhood educators. A virtual open house highlighting the early childhood education concentration at SSC will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Details about program requirements, pathway agreements with four-year institutions, scholarship information and more will be addressed. Those looking to begin a career in early childhood education or advance their current profession are required to register for the open house at: https://bit.ly/3OmJYwx.

For additional information about the grant, please contact Anna Helwig, Ph.D., at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5706, or email ahelwig@ssc.edu. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street South Holland, Illinois. Our mission is to Serve our Students and the Community through lifelong learning.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) celebrated the first graduating class from its Barber College on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Called, the “Final Punch Out,” the ceremony was attended by students, faculty, administrators, SSC President, Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, members of the Board of Trustees, including Chairman Terry R. Wells, as well as Illinois State Representatives Thaddeus Jones (29th District) and William “Will” Davis (30th District). Attendees observed special remarks, various student awards and each of the nine cohort completers log their last punch card, noting 1,500 hours of successful completion. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone involved in pioneering the program.

“It was both an overwhelming and terrific experience,” said Lucas Gunby, SSC Barber College Program Coordinator. Once an award-winning barber for television shows like “Empire” and “Chicago Fire,” Gunby now teaches the next generation of barbers at SSC. “One of the things that makes SSC’s program so unique is that you can earn a Barber Technician Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science in barbering degree,” he stated, noting that students may transfer in credits from traditional barbering institutions. “Not only that, but if you’ve never attended classes on a college campus, you can enter this program and get the full student experience.”

Eight students were recently awarded certificates from the SSC Barbering Program, many of which have made connections in the field that led to employment opportunities. One student, Shuntai Robinson, earned an AAS degree in barbering. Similar to Gunby, Robinson has an interest in training new students. “I’m looking to expand the knowledge I already received in order to teach others properly. I’m really eager to learn,” she stated. Robinson spoke as the SSC Barber College class valedictorian. She tipped her cap to Gunby and remarked, “He is very knowledgeable about cutting techniques. He can use a comb and clippers without guards. It takes years of experience to get to that level.”

Students complete both clinical and theoretical education in the SSC Barber College. This program is expected to grow tremendously in the near future, according to Gunby, with plans to incorporate a mobile barbering bus to serve the community at various events. He added, “In 2023, there are plans to add a cosmetology program [and] instructors’ program, so you can come to SSC and we can teach you how to teach these classes. We are doing our best to lead students and give them the key to success.”

For more information about the SSC Barber College, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2266. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St. South Holland, IL 60473. Our mission is to Serve our Students and the Community through life-long learning.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Office of Continuing, Corporate and Community Education (C3) at South Suburban College (SSC) will offer the College for Kids program this summer. Children in grades 1-12 are invited to participate. This program will explore reading, study skills, grammar and writing, math, Spanish, and game creation.

“Children in this program have the opportunity to learn in a variety of academic arenas. It will help keep their educational tools sharp during the summer months when school is not in session,” said Gervaise Edwards, Manager of C3. “This experience can lead participants to have better, brighter futures.”

College for Kids will begin on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 and conclude on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Classes will not be offered on Monday, July 4, 2022, as campus will be closed for the holiday.

This program will be offered on SSC’s Main Campus, located at 15800 S. State St. South Holland, IL 60473. Contact the C3 department at (708) 596-2000 ext. 2231 for more information or to enroll a child in College for Kids. Visit ssc.edu for a complete listing of non-credit classes for the youth and adults alike.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp. This 80-hour, 5-week program prepares individuals for college-level manufacturing programs and rewarding careers.

Students who complete the program earn the National Safety Council forklift certification, the OSHA 10 safety standards certification and an SSC certificate of participation. They will also receive plant tours, interviews with potential employers and the opportunity to connect with college representatives. Participants may even be eligible to earn a stipend while taking part in the bootcamp.

Nancy Burrows, a CAIC program coordinator remarked, “When people think about manufacturing, they think you need to be good with your hands, but it’s more important to be good with your mind as problem-solving is one of the most vital tools for success in the field.”

Participants of the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp will gain a well-rounded understanding of the field while adding mathematical techniques to their skillset. Resume building and interviewing strategies will also be explored.

“Many people who work in manufacturing are retiring. Companies are seeking people with a myriad of skills who are eager to advance. We are hopeful that this partnership between the CAIC and SSC will help address the needs of our communities,” Burrows added. “The Chicago Southland is rich with manufacturing companies. It’s a great boost for the economy of the area to have people who can live and work in the same vicinity.”

The Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp begins on Monday, June 6, 2022. Classes will take place at the Thornton Fractional High School Center for Academics and Technology at 1605 Wentworth Ave. Calumet City, IL 60409. The bootcamp is open to graduates of the Thornton Fractional Class of 2022 and all adults over the age of 18. Seating is limited and registration is required. More information is available at: calumetareaindustrial.com/bridge-program. Call Nancy Burrows at (773) 517-3708 or e-mail nancy@calumetareaindustrial.com for additional details or to register.

Funding for the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp is provided by an H-1B US Department of Labor One Workforce Grant.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC), with the assistance of Career Development Systems (CDS), hosted the 15th annual High School Video Competition on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The competition showcases talent from high schools as well as provides tours of the college’s facilities, including the television studio, audio studio and new multimedia lab, built Spring 2022.

Graphic Design & Visual Communications coordinator, professor Pamela Planera, and other SSC staff welcomed high school students and their families to the event. “This year’s competition meant the world to me as it was my first in-person event since the pandemic,” said Planera. “I really enjoyed it and received a lot of great feedback to make this event even bigger and better for the future. It was great to meet students who plan on enrolling in my graphic design and visual communication courses this Fall of ‘22. The new visual communication program goes hand-in-hand with the graphic design degrees and certificates that we offer. I hope they continue to choose SSC for their college education.”

Six high schools submitted entries into the competition: Bremen, Hillcrest, Oak Forest, Richards, Shepard and Thornton Fractional South. Students entered work in nine different categories: Commercial/Promo, Creative Mobile Project, Live Multi-Camera, News Program, News Story or Feature, Podcast, PSA, Short Subject-Comedy and Short Subject-Drama. The forty entries were judged on aesthetic quality, technical quality, program design and overall effectiveness.

In addition to the student awards, high schools competed for the Regional Award of Distinction, which is determined by the highest average score per entry. Jodi Pelini, a professor at Shepard High School, accepted this award. “The SSC awards ceremony was the highlight of the 2021-2022 school year. After two years of virtual ceremonies, it was wonderful to be back in-person with the students to honor all their achievements. The competition was unbelievably fierce this year which made it all the more meaningful to take home the Regional Award of Distinction. I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their creative talent and their endless dedication to telling memorable stories,” said Pelini.

The student awards for each category are as follows:

Contact Pamela Planera at pplanera@ssc.edu or (708) 596-2000 ext. 2211 for information about Graphic Design & Visual Communications at South Suburban College. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – For the third consecutive year, South Suburban College (SSC) has been selected as a recipient of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The recently awarded $1.2 million grant will develop and enhance high demand training and career pathway programs that can lead to a variety of rewarding careers within SSC District 510.

“The Workforce Equity Initiative is breaking down barriers to equity and inclusion for residents of our community college district,” said SSC President, Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D. “Kudos to the ICCB and our legislators for recognizing the need in our community. We are especially looking forward to this phase in which we will be exploring some exciting new career programs.”

The previous awarding of the WEI grant at SSC provided financial assistance and academic support to participating students within various career programs of the college including: Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program, Community Healthcare Worker, Certified Production Technician, Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Forklift Operator and Barber Technician. The continued financial support will advance the existing concentrations, update program features and develop new academic arenas. New program goals include the expansion of SSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program and Barber College, as well as the establishment of cosmetology and culinary arts programs.

For more information about WEI qualifications and programs at SSC, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413 or email workforceequity@ssc.edu.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) will host its 26^th annual SSC Regional High School Art Student Exhibit from January 31 through February 25, 2022. The exhibition includes 20 regional high school districts from Illinois and Indiana. Approximately 300 pieces of student artwork will be featured in galleries and display cases throughout the SSC Art and Design Department for the month of February. In addition to high school student artwork, high school art faculty will display their work for the Bi-Annual High School Art Faculty Exhibition in the Lee E. Dulgar Gallery, located near the first-floor atrium during the month of February.

On Friday, February 25, 2022, participating high school students and teachers will spend the morning on the college’s South Holland campus for the festival portion of the exhibit, including a visiting artist lecture, a gallery crawl reception, and tours of various art studios. The festival begins in the Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m. with opening remarks. Rine Boyer, a Chicago-based visiting artist, will follow with a PowerPoint presentation of her artwork and life experiences in the art world. Boyer will tour the exhibit and offer comments to high school students. Jillian Van Volkenburgh is the juror of this year’s high school art exhibition. An award presentation for high school students’ artwork will follow. The SSC art faculty will also discuss studio offerings in the Digital Graphic Arts Studio, Painting Studio, Ceramics Studio, and Sculpture Studio. All events will conclude at 12:00 p.m.  

The Art and Design Department of SSC is located on the fourth floor, northeast section of the main building on the South Holland campus. The Dorothea Thiel Gallery and Photo-Four Gallery are both located within the Art and Design studio complex. The Bi-Annual High School Art Faculty Exhibition, in the Lee E. Dulgar Gallery is located on the first floor near the atrium area of the college. 

Masks and social distancing are required. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and college holidays. More information is available from Eric Tucker, SSC art instructor and exhibition coordinator, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2300.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College’s Business & Career Institute is offering Forklift Operator Training in February and March at the Oak Forest Center. This certification course covers the basic forklift driving skills needed to obtain a Forklift Operator Certification.

The cost for each course is $179.00 per person or FREE for qualified applicants. The Spring sessions will be held as follows:

• February 19     8:30am – 4:30pm
• March 18         8:30am – 4:30pm
• March 26         8:30am – 4:30pm

The Forklift Operator Certification from the National Safety Council is available through these sessions at SSC for individuals who are looking for new career skills or for employers who are ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. Illinois requires all forklift operators to obtain a license to avoid OSHA sanctions and possible penalties. Forklift driving is no simple matter; it causes more than 100 deaths each year. A Certification Card from the National Safety Council will be issued to the student upon successful completion of the program. The course will enforce social distancing and the use of PPEs.

For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5723 or email gedwards@ssc.edu. SSC’s Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 S. Kilbourn, Oak Forest, Illinois, with convenient access from I-57, I-80, and I-294.

WEI Sponsored Program: The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) project is funded through ICCB to support qualified participants through the completion of short-term educational opportunities leading to employment. Benefits of the grant include free tuition and technology assistance, tutoring, academic and employment advising, and more. Email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit ssc.edu/wei for more information.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Program. This 80-hour, 5-week bridge program prepares individuals for rewarding careers and college-level manufacturing programs.

“Manufacturing continues to evolve at a rapid pace,” said Nancy Burrows, a program coordinator of the CAIC. “When people think about manufacturing, they think you need to be good with your hands, but it’s more important to be good with your mind as problem-solving is one of the most vital tools for success in the field.”

Participants of the Manufacturing Skills and Training Program will gain a well-rounded understanding of the field while adding mathematical techniques to their skillset. Resume building and interviewing strategies will also be explored.

Students who complete the program earn the National Safety Council forklift certification and the OSHA 10 safety standards certification. They will also receive plant tours, interviews with potential employers and the opportunity to connect with college representatives.

“The Chicago Southland is rich with manufacturing companies. It’s a great boost for the economy of the area to have people who can live and work in the same vicinity,” added Burrows. “Many people who work in manufacturing are retiring. Companies are seeking people with a myriad of skills who are eager to advance. We are hopeful that this partnership between the CAIC and SSC will help address the needs of our communities.”

The Manufacturing Skills and Training Program begins on Monday, February 28, 2022, and concludes on Monday, April 4, 2022. Classes will take place Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Seating is limited and registration is required. A form to request additional details is available at: www.ssc.edu/caic.

For more information or to register, call Nancy Burrows at (773) 517-3708 or e-mail nancy@calumetareaindustrial.com.

Funding for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs are made possible through a grant provided by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Additional funding is provided by an H-1B US Department of Labor One Workforce Grant.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) continues its efforts to provide flexibility to college degree seekers interrupted by the pandemic with a wide range of online and in-person class options, as well as significant tuition and technology supports. Current and prospective students can learn more about the all of the advantages of becoming an SSC Bulldog at two Virtual Q&A Sessions next week on December 1 at 6 p.m. and December 2 and 12 noon. Faculty and staff will be available through Zoom to address a wide range of topics and answer questions about registration, financial assistance, programs, facilities and much more. Visit www.ssc.edu/info for access to the Virtual Q&A Sessions.

Spring Registration is now in progress online from ssc.edu. The 2021 Spring Semester begins the week of Monday, January 10, 2022. All current and prospective students are encouraged to register early to secure grant opportunities, their preferred course schedule and mode of classes delivery.

The New Year is an excellent opportunity for students to take a giant step in their success by customizing a class schedule at high quality and supportive institution. New SSC students should get started with the Online Application from ssc.edu. Once the application process is complete, new students will receive an SSC email account and a Self Service Username & Password via email which will allow access to student information and class registration.

SSC is a community college located in South Holland, Illinois serving 21 communities including parts of the Chicago Southland and northwest Indiana. SSC provides a variety of support services and leadership opportunities to its students in addition to a wide range of affordable academic programs.

Illinois Community College system accounts for $3.5 billion in economic output and more than 43,000 jobs throughout state.

 
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) continues to help drive the south suburban area economy and train a skilled workforce for critical industries throughout Illinois, according to a new statewide report analyzing the value of the Illinois community college system. Other data including successful student outcomes were proven through the work of Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) Center for Governmental Studies (CGS), contracted by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) from 2020-21.

Illinois community colleges claim a unique piece of their shared mission to support local workforce and economic development through employer and business engagement. SSC demonstrated its success in this endeavor in 2020, in part by interacting with 45 unique employers. Collaboration ranged from curriculum and apprenticeship development and review, contract training, internships, and professional development to job placement for graduating students. Further economic impact is demonstrated in raw numbers produced by SSC during fiscal year 2020:

• $31.7 million in operating expenditures
• $14.4 million in wages and benefits among SSC employees living in the region
• Approximately 427 jobs in SSC District #510 attributed to college operations associated with $59.4 million in economic output

These direct impacts rippled through the economy creating additional jobs, payrolls, and other economic activity.

“I believe our country has given greater voice in recent years to the significant impact community colleges have educationally and culturally, but often times the least understood and least measured effect is economically,” said Frank M. Zuccarelli, Chairman of the SSC Board of Trustees. “The detailed research that was conducted through this study revealed some amazing numbers relating to the positive economic value of community colleges in Illinois, and specifically here in the south suburban region.”

The report not only evaluates Illinois community colleges’ ability to meet the needs of business and industry, but also student outcomes and students’ return on investment. South Suburban College students aged 20 to 29 that completed a two-year program that was not focused on transfer to a 4-year institution are estimated to total nearly $525,000 in average increased lifetime earnings (compared to someone not attending community college). The study estimated this return on investment was 23.5%.

According to ICCB data, in recent years more than 70% of completers across all demographics of long-term certificate programs or Associate in Applied Science programs at South Suburban College are employed in career jobs within a year of graduation. Career job employment rates also typically improve for SSC completers over time. Among those who completed programs in 2009, 86.6% were employed one year after graduating, and 87.3% were employed in career jobs after 10 years.

“The study confirms what we already know to be true of community colleges – they are an accessible, attainable opportunity to change your life,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of South Suburban College. “The data demonstrates this value everywhere, including within disadvantaged communities. By changing lives community colleges have the power to change communities.”

Statewide, the Illinois Community College System and ICCB are focused on creating, supporting, and expanding workforce training opportunities equitably in high-need communities. In 2019, Illinois started the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) program, a grant program designed to increase workforce opportunities for African Americans which are severely underrepresented among Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Over the last two years, the WEI program has granted nearly $40 million to address education and unemployment gaps in the African American and other minority communities throughout Illinois. More information about WEI at South Suburban College can be accessed online from www.ssc.edu/wei.

“It is clear that community colleges remain a solid return on investment for local communities and the students that use them,” said ICCB executive director, Dr. Brian Durham. “Our system plays a vital role in meeting the needs of Illinois’ workforce by providing quality training and education and gives students a greater opportunity to earn higher wages in countless industries throughout the state.”

When examining earnings one year prior to completion compared to three years after completion, African American student earnings increased 47 percent while Latinx students increased their earnings by 57 percent.

To review the full study, please visit https://bit.ly/iccbEIS.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–It’s not too late to get registered and take advantage of a significant range of free resources at South Suburban College (SSC) this fall. In fact, returning to school or pursing one’s college dream for the first time is a “no-brainer,” according to college promotions.

“This is truly a unique time in our College history when most students literally are debt free, and in many cases plus direct financial assistance, and plus free laptops,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, SSC President. “SSC has long provided comprehensive scholarship and tuition waiver packages to students, but this is much more and we want residents of our community to know they have an opportunity. We have worked really hard to secure and thoughtfully distribute multiple sources of funding to help our students manage this difficult year and be successful.”

Those additional funding sources available to students include CARES Act stimulus, several new grant initiatives, and Foundation-sponsored COVID-19 Impact Awards among others. In total, SSC has provided over $3,400,000 in tuition relief, personal checks and technology grants to students last fiscal year, and more is available.

Shanika Mack is a South Suburban College student who has made the best out of the challenges of the past year. “Losing my job forced me to step away and think about what’s important, like pursuing my bigger dreams,” said Mack, a 31-year old returning adult student who previously attended SSC immediately after graduating from Thornton High School. “The pandemic can take away my job but it can’t take away my education.”

Mack received a free laptop, free books, and will have her entire tuition balance waived at the end of the 2021 Summer Semester if she stays on track to receive a “C” or better. She is already enrolled for fall classes with plans to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in General Studies next spring. Mack hopes to pursue a Business Degree at Governor’s State University upon graduation.

According to SSC’s Business Office, 1,219 students have received $1,283,556 in tuition balances waived to date, and another 3,415 students received direct payments of $2,124,600 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). An additional 141 students received $145,579 in debt relief and 415 students received $133,836 in technology – primarily laptops – through the CARES Act for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEERF). The SSC Foundation awarded $66,221.17 in COVID-19 funding for tuition, books, technology, and living expenses in addition to its traditional annual scholarship awards. Most recently, SSC initiated a new Student Emergency Aid Program through the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to provide financial support up to $500 per student for short-term, nonrecurring emergencies.

New South Suburban College Student Trustee, Dion Rubin, wants to encourage more students to come back to school. Rubin received a free laptop, hotspot and $950 in direct aid to date. “I have complete confidence in South Suburban College – the faculty have done an amazing job and I have felt extremely safe returning to campus.”

Rubin received his High School Equivalency (HSE) before pursuing his college education in the Fall 2020 Semester during the height of the pandemic. “My goal is to make the student experience the best it can be and to promote a positive educational culture. Positivity can do great things.”

Other opportunities for career program funding at SSC include the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) Grant, and the One Workforce Grant through the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC). The WEI grant provides wrap-around services including comprehensive financial assistance and academic support to participating students within a variety of program areas providing stackable credentials. Funding for the H-1B One Workforce Grant is provided by the US Department of Labor for tuition, fees and books in short-term advanced manufacturing programs with industry recognized credentials.

All of the funding, grant and programmatic information is available from ssc.edu. Fall classes will begin Monday, August 16, 2021, with the safety and flexibility of five modes of class delivery at SSC. Class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are available at ssc.edu. Prospective students may also call (708) 210-5718 or email admissions@ssc.edu to get questions answered.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College will be offering a Cannabis Dispensary Operations Certificate Program starting in the Fall 2021 Semester. Illinois and many other states have made changes on the legality of Cannabis use. These changes have allowed for a developing industry of legal Cannabis companies to operate in Illinois, which allows for new jobs and business opportunities. This economic development is expected to continue to grow for many years.
The new program will assist people to successfully enter this new economic niche. The 18-credit hour (two-semester Certificate) will allow graduates to create new businesses and market themselves to existing businesses.

The first class, Introduction to Cannabis 101, is an 8-week online class that does not require a textbook. The course begins with the biology of the Cannabis plant and continues to cultural, historical, and medical uses of Cannabis. You don’t need to be in the program to take this fun and informative class.

First Semester Credits include: CNB 101 Introduction to Cannabis, CNB 102 Dispensary Operations, BUS 108 Introduction to Business, MIS 101 Computer Literacy & Applications, and CNB 103 Cannabis Law.

Semester Two Credits include: ACC 130 Computerized Accounting and CNB 110 Science of Cannabis (Biology and Pharmacology).

For questions, please call (708) 210-5706 or email ahelwig@ssc.edu. Fall Classes begin Monday, August 16, 2021, and class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students should get started at admissions.ssc.edu.

Program plans for growth, new LPN bridge curriculum in development.

SOUTH HOLLAND-South Suburban College honored its 2021 graduates of the College’s Associated Degree Nursing (ADN) Program with a special pinning ceremony last week. The graduates received their nursing pins from senior nursing faculty and class of 2021 advisor Naomi West. This year, 18 students successfully completed the ADN program. They will now prepare to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RN) this summer.

The NCLEX is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. SSC’s graduates have enjoyed five consecutive years above the annual national average pass rates including multiple 100% passing graduated classes since the program reopened in 2013. SSC was recently named the #3 Ranked Nursing Program in Illinois by RegisteredNursing.org – a nursing advocacy organization. RegisteredNursing.org recently released its annual list of Best RN Programs.

“The graduates’ hard work and resilience was inspiring, especially with the challenges of the past year,” said Dr. Linda Brown-Aldridge, SSC’s Dean of Nursing. “I am very proud of the way our faculty and students remained focused and adapted well to a blended learning environment. I have no doubt the future is bright for the class of 2021 and they will provide excellence in nursing to our community for many years to come.”

Dr. Brown-Aldridge brings more than 30 years of experience to SSC’s Nursing Program, previously working in hospitals and schools in many roles including nursing, teaching, administration and serving as the Chief Nursing Officer at Provident Hospital. She will enter her third academic year as the Dean of Nursing this fall with more than 50 students in the program. Under her guidance, the program has undergone a major transformation, from revitalizing curriculum to providing innovative new student support systems and cutting-edge technology.

While the fall admission cycle is closed, new prospective students are encouraged to begin their prerequisites as early as this summer by creating a plan with an SSC Counselor. The College has plans for launching an LPN-RN bridge pathway this year and has made progress towards its state-of-the-art Allied Health & Nursing Center at its Main Campus in South Holland, Illinois.

The SSC Nursing Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations (IDFPR) and the college is accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission (HLC), both critical components to proper credentialing and certification upon graduation. It is a two-year Associate in Applied Science curriculum that provides learning experiences directed by faculty in local hospitals and health agencies to focus on the direct nursing care for patients of all ages.

For more information about Nursing and other Allied Health Programs at SSC, please visit ssc.edu/success or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2260. Email CounselingCenterQuestions@ssc.edu for information about prerequisites and scheduling.