SOUTH HOLLAND – Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a vital role in meeting workforce demands by preparing individuals for high-skill, in-demand jobs that further Illinois’ global competitiveness. Last year roughly two-thirds (66.9%) of all Illinois community college graduates earned a CTE degree or certificate. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education Month. This year’s theme is Opportunities for Career Success!

Illinois has seen continued growth and demand for postsecondary CTE in both higher completion rates and increased program offerings. Since fiscal year 2011, overall, CTE graduates have increased approximately 12 percent at Illinois’ community colleges. To meet workforce demands, 615 new CTE programs were approved last year at community colleges across the state.

“Career and technical education programs are at the core of the community college’s mission to provide educational opportunities tailored to local business and industry needs,” said ICCB executive director Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson. “By partnering with local, regional and national employers, CTE programs are investing in students and providing them with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees and future leaders.”

Carol Brooks, Executive Director of Career Development System in Oak Forest has this to add: “The benefits of career and technical education are extensive, playing a vital role in preparing high school students to transition to South Suburban College and/or the workforce. There are many opportunities for students to earn college credit while in high school through successful completion of CTE courses. In addition, CTE industry credentials are available for students to earn in the high school classroom, thus providing another facet towards their future careers.”

The number of students who were members of a state-recognized Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSOs) in 2014-15 totaled 34,393. “Students who participate in CTSOs demonstrate higher levels of academic engagement and motivation, civic engagement, career self-efficacy, and employability skills than other students.” (National Coordinating Council for CTSOs, 2015)

Resource: 2015 ILLINOIS CTE by the Numbers http://www.ilcte.org/fact-sheet/

For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–In spite of the State budget situation, South Suburban College will continue to provide quality, affordable education with small class sizes and support services. We are not in danger of closing our doors and encourage you to look no farther than SSC when making your plans for the 2016-2017 academic year.

According to SSC President Don Manning, “South Suburban College will continue to provide workforce credentials to our residents; qualifications that can lead to better paying jobs and a better way of life.”

Summer is a great time to take a few classes and our schedule will be available online at www.ssc.edu beginning Monday, March 7, 2016 with registration opening on Monday, March 21, 2016. Don’t wait; classes fill quickly. You will also want to register early for fall to get the courses you want when you want them. Our fall schedule will be available online beginning Monday, April 4, 2016 with registration opening on Monday, April 18, 2016.

Still weighing your options? Come check us out. You may even be eligible to take your first class for free! Details are available online at www.ssc.edu/freeclass. For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is hosting the 2016 SSC Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 13th from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center. The 18th annual fest features performances by bands from eleven local high schools and middle schools, as well as instruction and performances by special guest clinicians. This year’s guest artists are saxophonist Mark O’Connor and bassist Marlene Rosenberg. As well, a jazz piano pedagogy clinic will be presented at 10:45 and 1:15 in room 1111 by Daniel Murphy.

“It’s an honor for us to have the festival running for 18 consecutive years,” said Rob Calhoon, SSC Director of Bands. “It is a tribute to South Suburban College, the attending schools and our guest artists to continue to keep our musical heritage alive and thriving.”

The SSC Jazz Festival is a one-day, non-competitive educational festival celebrating jazz and jazz education. Each band performs for and receives a performance clinic by the guest artists. The evening festival concert, taking place at 7:00 p.m. in the Kindig Performing Arts Center, will feature performances by the SSC Jazz Ensemble, the SSC Jazz Orchestra, guest artists O’Connor and Rosenberg, as well as select festival participants.

Admission to the festival, as well as to the evening festival concert, is free of charge. For more information or a complete performance schedule, contact the SSC Music Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2299. South Suburban College is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, IL.

SSC Jazz Festival