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.