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: South Suburban College President, Dr. Lynette Stokes

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce a fifth 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, November 6, 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 $20.

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 December 4, 2023 through December 15, 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) 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) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce a third 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 Thursday, May 11th, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, SSC will host a pre-hiring event for job seekers to meet with Pace staff. During the 3-hour event, which begins at 6 pm, applicants will complete a screening process in the MB Financial Bank Room located on the first floor of the 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.

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.

Qualified candidates who complete the two-week course will transition to a 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.

* Candidates are responsible for the cost of the MVR, which is $12.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) has not increased tuition for community college students since 2018. SSC has strategically implemented initiatives that remove economic barriers by allowing students to sign up for classes without being dropped for non-payment. The college also offers several programs for eligible students, including special tuition rates, tuition-free course waivers, and scholarship opportunities.
 
“As a college, we understand that a tuition increase could greatly impact the students we serve. Freezing tuition and removing barriers to registering for a class for new and current students will aid in affordable education. Our goal includes removing economic hardships to education and allowing our students to have a smooth path towards earning an SSC degree,” noted SSC Board Chairman Terry Wells.
 
The pandemic’s consequences also added hardships for students, so the tuition freeze and other initiatives will continue encouraging new enrollees. “SSC celebrated having the Spring 2023 term be the first semester that enrollment was higher than pre-covid enrollment numbers. The continued efforts by President Stokes, the executive leadership team, the faculty, staff, and the SSC Board of Trustees have ensured a continued path for student success”, stated SSC Board of Trustee Vincent Lockett. SSC continues its efforts to provide affordable and flexible class options for college degree seekers with a wide range of course delivery selections. For Fall 2023, new and currently enrolled students can choose from SSC’s High Five modes of course delivery, including in-person, online, virtual, flex, and blended delivery methods. SSC also offers scholarships through the SSC Foundation to ensure students have additional financial resources for affordable education. Since 1989, the SSC Foundation has issued over $2.6 million in scholarship awards.
 
Registration is currently in progress for the Summer 2023 semester. SSC’s online application, registration services, and class schedule are easily accessible at ssc.edu.
 
Call the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 or email admissions@ssc.edu for information about SSC’s enrollment process. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College’s (SSC) Criminal Justice Program recently presented a program entitled “Dogs & Drones” for National Criminal Justice Month. The event, held on March 9th at the college, included a drone demonstration by the Burr Ridge Police Department and Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pro Keenan Newton. In addition, the program on “Dogs” featured police dog Louie from the Worth Illinois Police Department and police dog Hatty from the Cook County State Attorney’s Office. The area high schools were invited to bring up to 12 students plus a chaperone.

The United States Congress established National Criminal Justice Month in 2006; March is National Criminal Justice Month. Its purpose is to promote societal awareness around the causes and consequences of crime and strategies for preventing and responding to crime. The American Academy for Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) also recognizes March as National Criminal Justice Month. 

For more information on SSC’s Criminal Justice Program, please contact Becky Walters, Program Coordinator, at bwalters@ssc.edu. South Suburban College’s Main Campus is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, IL 60473.
 

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–South Suburban College (SSC) launched classes for the Spring 2023 Semester on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. SSC continues its efforts to provide affordable and flexible class options for college degree seekers with a wide range of course delivery selections. In early 2023, the college launched marketing efforts for the newly established Hospitality Management Program. The Hospitality Management Program through SSC prepares students for entry-level employment or other skills advancement in the hospitality industry based on the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-Conference for Food Protection (CFP)standards. The hospitality sector includes accommodation and food services establishments as part of the service industry. Students will gain specific knowledge and skillsets related to hotel operations, event planning, and safe handling of food products for preparation and consumption. Students taking the first course in the degree/certification program ‘BUS 102: Introduction to Hospitality’ will also take the ServSafe Food Handler exam to become employed in the field in as little as eight weeks. In addition, students can add stackable certifications toward achieving the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree within two years. 

During the late start 2023 registration period, SSC will offer an Introduction to Event Planning course on March 20 for students interested in starting the program. In addition, incoming students who do not live in-district may qualify for in-district tuition rates.

New and currently enrolled students can choose from SSC’s High Five modes of course delivery, including in-person, online, virtual, simulcast, and blended delivery methods. Students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred mode of instruction and schedule. SSC has established a plan to allow students to sign up for classes without being dropped for non-payment. The college offers several programs for eligible students, including special tuition rates, tuition-free course waivers, scholarship opportunities, and more than a hundred pathway options. Classes for the Spring 2023 Semester have begun, with course and registration available through Monday, March 20, 2023. SSC’s online application, registration services, and class schedule are easily accessible at ssc.edu. 

For information about SSC’s Hospitality Management Program, please contact Dr. Ona Johnson at (708) 596-2000 x2357 or via email at ojohnson@ssc.edu. To inquire about SSC’s enrollment process, please call the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 or email admissions@ssc.edu. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –South Suburban College wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for initial accreditation of its associate nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Associate Degree.

You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled for 3:30p on Wednesday, February 22, in MB conference room of South Suburban College located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:

 
All written comments should be received by the ACEN by Monday before, February 20, 2023.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – South Suburban College (SSC) will host a welcome back celebration on February 1st, 12 pm – 2 pm, for SSC students and the new eatery Rucker Cafe. The Welcome Back event is an extension of the Spring 2023 Registration Campaign, which encouraged early registration through swag bag items and raffle prizes for students who enrolled before December 31, 2022, and remained registered through the February 1, 2023 deadline. The Welcome Back celebration will announce the student winners of the swag bag items and raffle prizes while inviting the public to enjoy Rucker Cafe. The event will take place in the SSC cafeteria of the main campus in South Holland, with brief commentary from De’Andre Rucker – Rucker Cafe Owner, Dr. Lynette Stokes – President of SSC, and Terry Wells – SSC Board Chairman. Following brief remarks, there will be a short ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rucker Cafe and a general social hour for attendees. To celebrate the official opening of the Rucker Cafe, attendees will receive a complimentary dessert for every meal purchased from 12 pm – 2 pm. In addition, Rucker Cafe will sign up qualifying SSC students to receive a free tablet if they are Pell grant recipients. 

Rucker Cafe opened on January 18 at the SSC main campus in South Holland, Illinois. The cafe offers various menu options, including salads, smoothies, and lunch items. “We are honored and elated to be a part of such a great organization as South Suburban College! Rucker Cafe is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and quality food daily. Thank you again for believing in us and allowing us to serve you daily”, stated De’Andre Rucker.

The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Zanetta Miller, Executive Director of Public Relations and Resource Development, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 5846, or email zmiller@ssc.edu.
 

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) and Pace Bus are pleased to announce their partnership to provide a free CDL Class B commercial driver’s license permit course for the next generation of professional bus operators in the Chicago Southland region. The college and transportation agency have teamed up to offer a customized two-week period 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, in partnership with Pace, SSC’s Work Equity Initiative will provide additional support and resources to students completing the Pace training.

On January 17, 2023, South Suburban College will host a pre-hire event for job seekers to meet with Pace staff. During the 3-hour event, which begins at 6 pm, applicants will complete a screening process which includes 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.

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 will cover the cost of these screenings. Candidates who pass these screenings will be enrolled in a training course that will take place in February at South Suburban College.

In a meeting on Tuesday, November 22, SSC President Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC Vice President of Academic Services Dr. Tasha Williams, Pace Safety and Training Manager Sharri Pappas, and Pace Chief Operating Officer Lindsey Umek, celebrated the successful partnership between the two entities as it will be the first for the South Suburbs. “I am excited to have SSC be the first in this area to launch an opportunity of this magnitude. At SSC, we are dedicated to providing high-quality education, training, and services for all individuals who can benefit from our programs. In addition, we want to provide accessible and affordable programs to a diverse community of learners in collaboration with local businesses. Our partnership with Pace Bus embodies all of these key tenets,” stated SSC President Dr. Stokes.

“Pace offers rewarding careers and a path to success for people who are passionate about public service. We are thrilled to partner with South Suburban College on this effort,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “Offering this free course creates a win-win for everyone. Those looking for a new career get access to the free instruction they need, and Pace gets the operators it needs to keep providing the essential service our region relies on.”

The program will run through SSC’s Continuing Education Program, with classes being offered at its main campus. Dr. Matt Beasland, Executive Director of the Oak Forest Center, stated, “The program is a first in this region, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to the local community. The opportunity will provide jobs and livable wages with minimum pay starting at $20.00”.

Qualified candidates who complete the two-week will transition to a six-week on-the-job training with Pace. For more information about the CDL Class B licensure program with SSC and Pace Bus, please get in touch with SSC’s Continuing Education Program at 708-596-2000 ext. 5723.

* Candidates are responsible for the cost of the MVR, which is $12.

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 272 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.

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) has established various registration incentives for the Spring 2023 Semester. Every student registered on or before Saturday, December 31, 2022, and enrolled by Wednesday, February 1, 2023 will receive a branded SSC bag, t-shirt, lanyard, and a $5 gift certificate to the new vendor in the cafeteria on the Main Campus in South Holland. These students will also be entered to win one of ten prizes, including a free course waiver to be used during the Summer 2023 or Fall 2023 Semester. Other items consist of $300 and $100 vouchers to the SSC Bookstore, also located on the college’s Main Campus. All incentives are only available for credit and adult education students.

Registration is currently in progress for the Spring 2023 Semester. SSC has established a plan to allow students to sign up for classes without being dropped for non-payment. The college offers several programs for eligible students, including special tuition rates, tuition-free course waivers, scholarship opportunities, and more than one hundred educational pathways to success.

Students are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred mode of instruction and schedule. SSC continues its efforts to provide affordable and flexible class options for college degree seekers with a wide range of course delivery selections. New and currently enrolled students can choose from SSC’s High Five modes of course delivery, including in-person, online, virtual, simulcast and blended delivery methods.

Classes for the Spring 2023 Semester at SSC begin the week of Monday, January 17, 2022. Preferred registration ends on Monday, January 30, 2023, with course options available through Monday, March 20, 2023. SSC’s online application, registration services, and class schedule are easily accessible at ssc.edu.

Call the Office of Admissions at (708) 210-5718 or email admissions@ssc.edu for information about SSC’s enrollment process. Para Información En Español Llame: (708) 210-5740. The South Suburban College Main Campus is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. The college’s extension site, the Oak Forest Center, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.