JJC Blog

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the barriers that the Black community has broken, express pride in what it means to be Black and to honor the impact of Black Americans on U.S. history. February was chosen as Black History Month because the birthdays of abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln fall during the month. It's also the month that the NAACP was founded. 

The coronavirus pandemic has affected employment in nearly every industry, some more than others. Fields like healthcare and technology are thriving, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that jobs in these areas will increase from now through 2029. However, healthcare and technology aren’t the only fields that are seeing success, many business fields are expected to grow as well.  

There’s no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of hardship, and that’s not lost on Joliet Junior College. Yet through all we’ve had to overcome, time and again our students, employees and local community reminded us that there’s much to be thankful for.

We dedicated a section of JJC’s Fall 2020 Connections Magazine to the heroes in and outside the classroom, and encourage you to follow their stories this month on social media through #JJCHeroes2020. Here’s how these groups and individuals have played a vital role in how we’ve managed 2020, and why their efforts will continue to offer hope into 2021.

Businesses of all sizes have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to say the least. The latest Small Business Pulse Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, covering Oct. 4-12, shows those that have experienced a large negative impact from the pandemic at 30.2% nationwide. In Illinois, it’s 32.9%. While the impact is large, there remains resources to tap into for managing, or yes, even starting a new business during this time.

The Small Business Development Center at Joliet Junior College, which relaunched this summer, provides no-cost management assistance and advice to aid emerging and existing small businesses. It is one of 40 such centers in Illinois, with funding from the Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and JJC.

We’d love nothing more than to provide an in-person guide to Joliet Junior College’s academic programs and student life. But in alignment with COVID-19 safety protocols, we’re offering the next best thing: A virtual exploration of JJC’s services, and an opportunity for our prospective students and their families to hear and speak directly – from the comfort of your home computer or smartphone – with our admissions experts and current students!

Whether you’re a high school senior or ready to start a new career, join us for Explore JJC. This 45-minute virtual fair will be conducted via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 19 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Here’s why you should register to attend.

3D printing is a popular hobby these days, but for someone just starting out it might seem overwhelming. What machine should I buy? What software do I use to create my prints? Luckily there are a lot of resources available for beginners. 

It’s not too late to begin or resume your journey at Joliet Junior College this fall! With over 180 degree and certificate programs you’ll be sure to find the perfect career path.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has created the highest American unemployment rate since the 1940s, with a record 3.3 million people filing for unemployment. Since the job market has changed dramatically and jobs deemed essential such as those in healthcare, supply chain and IT are in high demand, some people may be considering a career change.  

The spring semester has officially restarted at Joliet Junior College in an online only capacity. While we’re sad to be unable to interact with our students in person, we recognize this is the safest approach, and will continue to operate in a way that best protects our students and employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

That said, JJC faculty and staff are excited to offer over 1,400 classes remotely to our students, as well as an abundance of online support services during this time! Below, we’ve outlined some key dates, procedures, and pathways through which JJC students can thrive during the remainder of the spring semester and beyond.

Even though the semester is winding down, it might not be easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This can be especially true if you’ve received midterm grades that did not meet your expectations or you’re anxious about looming final exams. And don’t forget about the upcoming holidays which can cause even the calmest people a lot of stress! But don't worry, JJC offers resources to help you excel in your classes and minimize stress.