Finals Kickback Event


The South Suburban College (SSC) Latino Center and Multicultural Wellness Center hosted a Finals Kickback event on Wednesday, April 24, providing students with a break from the stress of studying for finals. The event offered a creative and relaxing atmosphere where students could unwind, connect with peers, and engage in a fun activity.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for students to create mini piñatas. This activity not only allowed students to tap into their creativity, but also provided a unique way to relieve stress. Laughter and lively conversation filled the room, creating a sense of camaraderie among attendees.

The event also served as a platform for students to connect with fellow SSC students. Whether they were sharing study tips, discussing their finals preparation, or simply enjoying each other’s company, students found a supportive community at this special event.

As the semester draws to a close, events like the Finals Kickback serve as a reminder of the importance of self-care and community support, especially during challenging academic periods. By offering students a chance to relax, create, and connect, SSC’s Latino Center and Multicultural Wellness Center demonstrated their dedication to student well-being and academic success.

A photo of students working on a hands-on activity.
IMAGE: Students work on piñata activity during Finals Kickback event.

South Suburban College WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Orientation


South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) in partnership with Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is offering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Dislocated Worker Program Orientation. Orientation will be held at the South Suburban College Oak Forest Campus, located at 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:30am. These programs aim to empower individuals by providing them with various workforce opportunities. The programs offer a wide array of services including career choices, training, work experience, and job search assistance.

One of the key benefits of WIOA Programs is the provision of career choices. Participants have the opportunity to explore different career paths and find the one that aligns with their interests, skills, and goals. This support enables individuals to make informed decisions about their career trajectory, increasing the likelihood of long-term job satisfaction and success.

In addition to career choices, WIOA Programs offer comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills of participants. Through partnerships with educational institutions, vocational training programs, and industry experts, individuals gain access to high-quality training designed to meet the demands of the job market. This equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields.

Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) is funding provided to assist workers who have been laid off or terminated through no fault of their own. These grants are typically awarded in response to significant events such as mass layoffs, plant closures, or natural disasters that result in a large number of workers becoming unemployed. The goal is to help dislocated workers quickly re-enter the workforce and regain employment.

Overall, both programs aim to empower individuals with the resources and support they need to obtain meaningful employment, advance in their careers, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. To participate in these programs, individuals must meet the established eligibility and suitability criteria. Click on the link below to register or go to Eventbrite.com and search Adult and Dislocated WIOA Orientation https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-and-dislocated-wioa-orientation-tickets-861537159837

For more information on either program, please contact Brianna Wells, Manager of Workforce Development via email at bwells@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000 Ext. 3230 or Kenneth Cohn, Director of Workforce Development via email at kcohn@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000 Ext. 6040

Main Campus exterior in autumn.

PHOTO: South Suburban College Main Campus.

South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Player Jemel Jones Named NJCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL Player-of-the-Year. It’s the Fourth Player in the Last Five years for Head Coach, John Pigatti.


South Holland, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball player, sophomore guard Jemel Jones (Eisenhower HS) was named NJCAA Division II NATIONAL Player-of-the-Year. This is the Fourth Player in the last 5 years to be named “National” Player-of-the-Year played for Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Pigatti. Jones averaged 33.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 steals per game during the 2023-’24 season. This award puts a cap on all of the accomplishments acquired by Jones this season. He was named to the All-Tournament Team at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, MVP of the Midwest District A Tournament, Region IV-A Player-of -the Year, and NJCAA 1st Team All American. Jones led his team to a 34-3 record and scored 1245 points this season.

Coach Pigatti said: “I am extremely happy for Jemel. This award is well deserved. He led all of college basketball (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) in scoring and did it with a versatile game. He grabbed almost 10 rebounds, dished out almost 6 assists and snatched over 3 steals a game. This award validates all of his hard work he put in this season on the court and in the classroom. His game will greatly transpire to the next level of his basketball career and his future is very bright. It was an honor and privilege to coach this fine young man this season”.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL. For additional information please contact Coach John Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524, or email JPigatti@ssc.edu.

A photo of SSC student-athlete Jemel Jones shooting a basketball with text that says,

PHOTO: Jemel Jones, South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team

South Suburban College and Pace Bus Partner to Offer a Pre-hiring Event on May 6, 2024


SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce another pre-hiring event to provide a free Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) permit course for the next generation of professional bus operators in the Chicago Southland region. The college and transportation agency will offer a customized two-week course to assist qualified applicants in obtaining their CDL permit. To remove financial barriers for students to pursue and complete the program actively, Pace will cover the costs of tuition, training, books, fees, and other expenses associated with the program. In addition, SSC, in partnership with the Workforce Equity Initiative Grant, will provide a completion incentive for participants who complete the two-week course.

On Monday, May 6, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., SSC will host a pre-hiring event for job seekers to meet with Pace staff. During the 3-hour event, applicants will complete a screening process in the MB Financial Bank Room on SSC’s Main Campus, including application completion, an assessment questionnaire, and a background check. All candidates must bring a valid Illinois driver’s license and a DMV or Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) (also called Driving Record Abstracts in Illinois) with no more than two infractions or tickets in the last five years. Candidates are responsible for the cost of the MVR, which is $12.

Assessment results will be available 2-4 days after the event when candidates must complete an Illinois Department of Transportation physical and drug screening. Pace Bus will cover the cost of these screenings. Candidates who pass these screenings will be enrolled in a training course that will take place at SSC’s Main Campus. Classes will be held Monday thru Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. the start date will be announced. Qualified candidates who complete the two-week course will transition to six-week on-the-job training with Pace.

For more information or to register for the CDL Class B licensure program with SSC and Pace, please contact SSC’s Continuing Education Program at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5723.

About South Suburban College
South Suburban College (SSC) is a public community college in South Holland, Illinois with a second campus located in Oak Forest, Illinois. The College offers over 100 program options from a wide selection of career education and college transfer credit programs. Additionally, SSC offers non-credit customized training, short-term instruction for business, and dozens of special interest classes. The College has a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center. A variety of cultural events are sponsored by the College, including plays, comedy acts, special lectures, and concerts, adding to the richness of the performing arts in the south suburbs.

About Pace Suburban Bus
Pace Suburban Bus safely and efficiently moves people to work, school, and other regional destinations with its family of public transportation services. Pace offers affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents of 274 municipalities in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties. The backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders. One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace covers 3,677 square miles, an area nearly the size of the state of Connecticut and about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago. Pace’s innovative approach to public transportation gives the agency a national reputation as an industry leader.

A graphic that says,

PHOTO: Pace Bus Hiring Photo

Spring Cleaning Airline Tickets Raffle – Xi Nu Omega Chapter-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.


Spring Cleaning is Here!

Click To Donate & Win!

 

Make a donation of $53.50 for your chance to win a pair (2) roundtrip airline tickets!

 

When will tickets go on sale?– Tickets will go on sale on April 8th through April 29th.

Where will tickets go on sale?– The tickets will go on sale on the Monarch Awards Foundation website. There will also be a flyer with a QR Code.

How much are the tickets?– The donation will be $53.50 per raffle ticket.

What could I win? You could win 2 round trip airline tickets on jetBlue!

Where can I travel? You can travel anywhere that jetBlue travels domestically. Please check jetBlue’s website to learn where to travel. www.jetblue.com

When can I travel? Your complete travel MUST be done by August 20, 2024.

What is included with the 2 round trip airline tickets? 2 free checked bags, 1 carry-on, and 1 personal item.

Who can participate in this fundraiser? EVERYONE, please share AGAIN with your networks and share MAFs social media posts!

ALL proceeds will go to scholarships and programs.

Should you have any further questions, please reach out directly to fundraising@monarchawardsfoundation.org.

 

South Suburban College Presents Women Wearing Many Hats Spring Tea


South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) Is happy to announce its first Spring Tea as a precursor for the much anticipated Chicago Women’s Conference that will be reintroduced in 2025. Gear up for a wealth of information, inspiration, and personal empowerment at the upcoming Women Wearing Many Hats Spring Tea “Women Building Each Other Up!” on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The Spring Tea will be held at the main campus in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center.

The Spring Tea will be hosted by the renown Felicia Houston, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Speaker, and Mental Health Consultant. The featured guest speakers will ignite inspiration and growth and encourage all women to make self-care a priority. Our phenomenal speakers will educate the audience on health, wellness, personal empowerment, business and finance, and the importance of work-life balance.

Women of all background ages 18 and over are encouraged to attend this Spring Tea that is dedicated exclusively to women. Admission is free but registration is required. Each attendee will be provided brunch, an opportunity to network, and to hear firsthand from guest speakers on how to manage the many hats that are worn as women and being intentional about personal wellbeing.

To register for this event please visit https://forms.office.com/r/cn2TfZMm8f. For more information, please contact Gervaise Edwards, Manager of C3 via email at gedwards@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000 Ext. 5723.

The South Suburban College Main Campus Student Entrance

PHOTO: The South Suburban College Main Campus Student Entrance.

South Suburban College President, Dr. Lynette Stokes is being Honored at the Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce Juneteenth Awards Gala


South Holland, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) is ecstatic to announce President, Dr. Lynette Stokes has been chosen as a recipient of the Excellence in College Administration Award by the Chicago Southland Black Chamber. Dr. Stokes will receive this prestigious award on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, during the Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce annual Juneteenth Awards Gala. Dr. Stokes has been a diligent administrator, working to transform the way the college conducts business with outside contractors to ensure that SSC meets its minority participation goals. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by engaging current students of SSC in professional contracts, highlighting her excellence in college administration. 

The mission of CSBCC and Industry is to facilitate the creation, growth, and sustainability of Black businesses throughout the Southland and Illinois regions while fostering economic growth and development within our communities. CSBCC provides their members with a networking environment for all business types and advocates on behalf of businesses at the local and state levels.

You are invited to attend the Annual Juneteenth Awards Gala hosted by the Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce. Your attendance will not only signify your support for their ongoing mission to empower minority businesses but also provide an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Lynette Stokes. Dr. Stokes will be honored for her deliberate commitment to promoting black businesses and her remarkable adaptability to evolving industry trends.

Take advantage of this opportunity to be a part of a momentous ceremony. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 6:00pm at the Double Tree Hilton located at 5000 W. 127th Street, Alsip, IL.

 For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information, please visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chicagosouthland/1188031

Photo of South Suburban College President, Dr. Lynette Stokes

PHOTO: South Suburban College President, Dr. Lynette Stokes