SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce a fourth 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 Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 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 in the MB Financial Bank Room from October 16, 2023 through October 27, 2023. Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 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.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) is unveiling a series of engaging events celebrating National Civility Month throughout August. The college invites the public and students to participate in activities that foster respectful interactions and cultivate a civil environment. This initiative aligns with National Civility Month, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in promoting a culture of civility.

August kicked off with a Civility Awareness Campaign across the college’s social media platforms on the first of the month. “In today’s society, mutual respect has become a rare commodity. As neighbors and citizens, we are responsible for nurturing our community by extending a helping hand, living by the golden rule, and choosing unity over isolated struggles”, stated SSC Student Trustee Jamesina Collier.

South Suburban College kicked off August with the following engagements for students:

Fall Term Kick-Off – August 21:

• Civility posters across the Main Campus
• Civility ice cream at the Main Campus for SSC students
• Civility swag bag distribution in the SSC Circle on the second floor of the Main Campus featuring empowering affirmations for SSC students

In addition to student-focused activities, the college will facilitate coffee conversations and employee professional development opportunities throughout the month. These initiatives aim to enhance education and awareness while providing a platform for collective dialogue promoting civility.

South Suburban College extends a warm invitation to the public to participate in the highlight event of the month:

Non- Violence Through Civility Panel Discussion

• Thursday, August 31, 2023
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• SSC Performing Arts Center on the first floor of the Main Campus

The panel discussion will feature SSC students and community experts engaging in conversations about nonviolence through civility. Moderated by Phillip Bradley, President of Nonviolence Works, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, the panel will explore the vital role of civility in fostering a peaceful society.

SSC Trustee Anthony Williams from Dolton, Illinois, with over two decades of experience in social services and education, will also be a panelist. The discussion addresses violence as a public health crisis and explores ways to create a more civil society. Trustee Williams remarked, “Civility is vital for a healthy civilization and is needed for our youth. I am glad SSC is championing this noble cause.”  More panelists will be announced closer to the event.

South Suburban College is additionally excited to host an Author Spotlight and Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Danielle J. Buhuro on August 30^th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the SSC library. Dr. Buhuro will conduct a book reading and signing of her work, “Is There a Heaven for a G? A Pastoral Care Approach to Gang Violence,” at the SSC Library on the first floor of the Main Campus.

Throughout August, SSC invites the community to participate in these events, promoting civility and respectful interactions. For more details and updates, please contact Zanetta Miller, Executive Director of Public Relations and Resource Development, via email at zmiller@ssc.edu or by phone at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5846. The SSC Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) was recently awarded $113,500 in grant funds from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN). IGEN is a consortium of Illinois community colleges working together to drive growth of the clean energy economy and green workforce. This grant will greatly advance energy efficiencies on the College campuses with a primary focus on lighting projects.

“The lighting upgrades will provide better aesthetics throughout the college and will result in both significant electrical savings and energy rebates,” said Patrick Rush, Vice President of Administration at SSC. “Additionally, the grant funded the College’s first ever car charging stations. We are very thankful for our partnership with IGEN and the excellent support they are providing for sustainability.”

The first car charging station is available for use on the northwest end of the student parking lot on the College’s Main Campus. SSC’s first ever car charging station is also the first of its kind in the Village of South Holland. A second car charging station will be implemented in the north parking lot on the College’s Oak Forest Campus in April 2023.

The Leviton EV Series Electric Vehicle Charging Solution quickly charges electric vehicles (EV). With an industry standard SAE J1772 cable, the charging station can charge any EV, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Subaru, and even Tesla with a Tesla-supplied adapter. The dual-mounted pedestal also allows the single unit to charge two individual EVs simultaneously.

SSC’s partnership with IGEN provides a unique approach to leveraging the power of sustainability within the College and surrounding communities. IGEN provides a platform to expand the deployment of clean energy technologies, increase employment opportunities, improve environmental and human health, foster community engagement and accelerate market competitiveness.

For additional information about grant funds through IGEN, please contact Patrick Rush, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5721, or email prush@ssc.edu. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street South Holland, Illinois. The South Suburban College Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois. Our mission is to Serve our Students and the Community through lifelong learning.

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–Notice is hereby given that the Office of the Secretary of the Board will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. beginning December 14, 2020 through December 21, 2020, for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the consolidated election to be held on April 6, 2021, for the following offices:

• Two full-term (six-years) members of the Board of Trustees of South Suburban College, Community College District 510

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) recently announced an award of $1,200,000 for the continuance of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) Grant at South Suburban College. The WEI project is designed to create, support, and expand short-term workforce training opportunities in high need areas within SSC District #510.  Through new programs, expanded access, opportunity, and support services, the project is anticipated to yield impactful outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and local businesses.

Additionally, 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. These programs will be highlighted at the upcoming Open Houses including Nursing, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Basic Nursing Assistance Training Program (BNATP), Community Healthcare Worker (CHW), Certified Production Technician (CPT), Solar Photovoltaic Installer, Forklift Operator, and the brand-new Barber College at the college’s Main Campus. When SSC’s Barbering Program opens this spring, it will become the only active public barber school in the State of Illinois.

SSC is hosting two WEI Virtual Open Houses to provide information to students who could benefit from WEI funding, programs, and services in the Spring 2021 Semester and beyond. The Open House Zoom links are accessible from www.ssc.edu/info.

• Wednesday, December 2^nd at 12 noon
• Thursday, December 3^rd at 6 pm

For more information about the WEI programs at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2413, email workforceequity@ssc.edu or visit www.ssc.edu/wei.

Spring classes begin Monday, January 11, 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. 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. In addition to the live chat function at ssc.edu, prospective students may call (708) 210-5718.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College is hosting a Virtual Open House for its Paralegal and Criminal Justice Programs in December. All of SSC’s upcoming Virtual Open House Zoom links are accessible from ssc.edu/info. Attendees can access the Open House links or call in to participate and become informed about exciting career pathways with significant occupational growth outlook.

The Paralegal Virtual Open House will take place on Thursday, December 10^th at 6:00 p.m. The Paralegal Program is offering an entry-level class in the Spring 2021 Semester at SSC. Information will be provided about the curriculum including a 60-hour Associate Degree program and a 39-hour Certificate, both designed to prepare students to become highly trained paralegals and legal assistants. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to work in a variety of legal environments. SSC has the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana region, arming graduates with a significant advantage entering the workforce.

SSC’s Criminal Justice System (CJS) program will host its CJS Virtual Open House on Monday, December 14^th at 6:00 p.m.  The Criminal Justice programs at SSC are designed for those individuals either desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills for, police agencies, correctional facilities, the courts systems, or security companies. Theoretical and practical coursework is provided for maximum flexibility in career choice. The college offers a 63-credit hour Associate Degree program, a 64-hour Correctional Officer track, and a 36-hour Criminal Justice Certificate.

For more information, please contact Becky Hougesen Walters, J.D., Paralegal/Criminal Justice Coordinator at bwalters@ssc.edu or (708) 596-2000, ext. 2285. SSC has announced spring classes will be offered through its virtual classroom beginning Monday, January 11, 2021, and class schedules, registration services and a new “live chat” with staff are all available online from ssc.edu. Future SSC students can get started at admissions.ssc.edu.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) Mike Monaghan made a special trip to the June Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of South Suburban College to acknowledge and present the ICCTA Service Award to both Vice-Chair John Daly and Trustee DeFilippo.

“The ICCTA would like to recognize and congratulate Trustees John Daly and Tony DeFilippo on their dedicated service to the Board of South Suburban College, Community College District 510, and the Illinois Community College System,” said Monaghan at the open meeting.

Daly, an Oak Forest resident, has served as a member of the SSC Board of Trustees since 1991. He became Vice-Chairman in 1994 and served as Chairman of the Presidential Search Committees. As Vice-Chair of the Board, Daly leads SSC’s ongoing efforts to improve services while maintaining a stable or reduced tax rate. DeFilippo, a Calumet City resident, works as a registered pharmacist and is responsible for the advancement of medical education and clinical trial opportunities at academic and medical centers. He serves in this capacity throughout the country. On the board level, DeFilippo serves as the SSC’s Finance Chair, a role he has filled for nearly his entire tenure while the college has collected 24 consecutive COE awards for excellence in financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO).

Not to be outdone, the SSC Board of Trustees surprised Monaghan with an award of their own in advance of his June 30th retirement when they presented him with an Honorary Associate of Arts Degree from SSC.

“On behalf of South Suburban College and our Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Mr. Monaghan for all of the visits he has made to our campus, for all of the support he has provided to SSC and the ICCTA for the past 15 years,” said Chairman Zuccarelli. “It is our honor and privilege to bestow this rare Honorary Degree to you as we wish you the very best in your retirement.”

Michael S. Monaghan became the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s fifth executive director on January 1, 2005. As the leader of one of the nation’s premier trustee associations, Monaghan brought 40 years of experience in higher education and the legislative arena while advocating on behalf of lllinois community colleges. He previously served as ICCTA’s director of government relations from 1989 to 2004, where he developed a statewide advocacy program and organized annual Lobby Days in Springfield and Washington, D.C. He also received the Illinois Society of Association Executives’ 1998 Government Relations Award for his successful efforts to establish a state health insurance program for community college retirees. Most recently, the ICCTA renamed its Meritorious Service Award in his honor.

Monaghan added, “I am honored and humbled to receive this honorary degree. Furthermore, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with this Board and college regarding State issues. Truly, South Suburban College is a friend and stellar partner to the Illinois Community College System.”

Established in 1927, South Suburban College is a fully accredited, comprehensive community college with an annual student population of more than 10,000. Located in South Holland, Illinois, SSC offers over 100 educational and career pathways through associate degree, certificate and transfer programs.