Month: February 2024

South Suburban College’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program to Begin in March

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OAK FOREST, IL– The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) at South Suburban College (SSC) is preparing for its upcoming free, short-term program. Students Emanuel Medina and Donald Elmore III, showcased here during concrete pouring activities, are progressing towards journeyman status. Both students successfully completed the program in October and are slated to commence their apprenticeships in the spring. Medina has secured acceptance into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 134 Communications Apprenticeship and is set to commence coursework this month.

Since 2014, SSC has offered the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP), a pre-apprenticeship initiative. The program entails a rigorous 450-hour curriculum aimed at equipping participants with the requisite skills for entry into the highway construction trades, fostering potential careers with lucrative wage prospects. Classes are held Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Prospective applicants must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate an interest in trade work, and successfully clear both a drug screening and a Physical Agility test. Additionally, applicants are required to hold a valid driver’s license.

The objective of HCCTP is to enhance representation of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals in Illinois highway construction. The program is supported through a collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), enabling it to be offered at no cost to participants. During their enrollment, students receive a stipend for each full hour of training completed.

Since its inception, HCCTP at SSC has graduated almost 400 students. Among the last six classes, three have achieved 100% placement into union apprenticeship programs with various trades including IBEW Local 134, Pipefitters Local 597, Laborers (LiUNA), and Carpenters.

Registration for this training opportunity is currently open. Orientation & Testing for the next class is February 27-29th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and classes are scheduled to begin March 25th, 2024. For more information contact Rebecca Garcia at (708) 225-6004 or email hcctp@ssc.edu. To register, first, please visit our website www.ssc.edu/hcctp, or visit our office located at the Oak Forest Center of South Suburban College.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the participating community colleges do not guarantee employment upon trainees’ graduation from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program.

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) was recently involved in a concrete pouring project at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) as part of sustainability initiatives at South Suburban College.

Pictured: The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) was recently involved in a concrete pouring project at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials Center (CHaRM) as part of sustainability initiatives at South Suburban College.

South Suburban College Opens Multicultural Wellness Center to Foster Student Well-being and Community Engagement

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SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) welcomed students, faculty, staff and community members on Thursday, February 1, 2024, to celebrate the grand opening of the Multicultural Wellness Center, located on the second floor of the main campus. The event commenced with a lively networking session, where over 75 attendees explored the center’s array of resources, embarked on guided tours showcasing the meditation room open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, and engaged in conversations with the center’s dedicated staff.

One highlight of the grand opening was the opportunity for guests to pin thoughts on what wellness means to them and how they practice self-care. Dr. Anissa Jones, Dean of Student Development started the program by welcoming attendees and sharing how the Wellness Center got its start. Dr. Jones highlighted the various areas that the Wellness Center can assist with including, but not limited to transportation, housing, child care, counseling and basic needs. She also introduced two key staff members: Alexandra Glumac, Wellness Center Director and Destinee Carter, Wellness Center Success Advisor. SSC’s Board of Trustees members Janet Rogers and Dr. Sherelene Harris delivered brief remarks, highlighting the significance of the Multicultural Wellness Center as a pivotal resource for SSC students and local community. SSC President, Dr. Lynette D. Stokes echoed these sentiments, offering heartfelt remarks on the center’s vital role in supporting the holistic well-being of SSC students. Dr. Stokes encouraged students to actively engage in the center’s diverse programming offerings. The program concluded with a formal ribbon cutting.

The grand opening also welcomed distinguished guests, including representatives from Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s office, emphasizing the substantial support and recognition garnered by the Multicultural Wellness Center within the broader community. For further information on the Multicultural Wellness Center and its initiatives, please contact Destinee Carter, Multicultural Wellness Success Advisor, via email at dcarter@ssc.edu or by calling 708-596-2000, ext. 2312.

Ribbon cutting photo in front of the Multicultural Wellness Center.

Pictured: From left to right: SSC Trustee Janet Rogers, SSC Student, President Dr. Stokes, SSC Student, Dr. Anissa Jones, and SSC Trustee Dr. Sherelene Harris.