JJC Blog

From the late nights studying to the research papers, class projects and final exams - we know college isn't easy. But even though you've been through a lot this year, know that this experience has ultimately impacted you positively - and it may have even changed you for the better.

Can you identify with these five things below?

Whether you are graduating in May or you'll be back here again in the fall, we've created the ultimate bucket list for our students below. 

Can you say you've done it all? 

Attending community college is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your future. This is a sentiment that New York Magazine and Huffpost reporter Yashar Ali knows all too well. In a tweet from March 14, he asked other Twitter users to express their love for community colleges - and several of our very own JJC alums replied. 

See a few of the tweets below - and thank you to all of our wonderful alums for giving us a shout out! 

Did you know that you can apply for multiple JJC scholarships all at once? Our scholarship application does the hard work for you - all you have to do is answer a few questions and you'll be automatically entered into the scholarships you qualify for.

Apply Soon! The scholarship deadline for the fall 2019 semester is May 1, 2019.

In the meantime, take a look below to learn about the three steps you need to take to apply for scholarships.

Did you know that JJC has its very own MakerLab?

Packed with cool equipment (most notably 3D printers), the lab is an environment for both students and the community to create almost anything they want using materials like filament, craft plywood, acrylic sheets, vinyl and more. Note: Anyone can tour or visit the MakerLab during regular hours, but to use the equipment in the lab, you must be a MakerLab member.

Wondering what you can make? Take a look below!

If you're a JJC student, there's at least one thing you have in common with the Lost Generation (those born 1883 to 1900): you attend the same community college as they did.

JJC has been in operation since 1901, and as the very first community college in the U.S., there's nearly 120 years of history in its grasp. Want to take a stroll down memory lane? Keep scrolling for seven interesting snip-its from the past, discovered in JJC yearbooks and other archives.

Have you heard of flex start classes? Formerly labeled as "late start," JJC's flex start classes allow you to begin your course after the semester start date. They have a shorter duration than a regular, 16-week class and usually last between eight to 14 weeks. You can register for them at any time - even weeks after the semester has started.

Here are a few things we think you should know about these flexible classes: 

It's Finals Week, which means winter break is that much closer!

But while you're still here, there are a few things we hope you'll keep in mind. Take a look at our list below to see what we suggest you do during your last week of 2018 classes.

Looking for something fun to do next semester? Take a non-credit class at JJC! JJC's continuing education courses are fun and interest-based, meant more for enjoyment than a grade. These classes, which are open to both students and community members, cover a wide range of topics which include cooking, music, crafts and more. They are offered every semester.

Take a look at our list below where we list ten "just-for-fun" classes you can take this spring!

To find out more about non-credit classes at JJC, visit our website at jjc.edu/LLC. Our Spring 2019 Community & Continuing Education catalog will be available online Dec. 10. If you would like to register or request additional information before that time, please call our office at (815) 280-1555.

Looking for the perfect Instagram photo? Got time to burn in between classes? Take a look at our list below to get some ideas - and don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @jolietjrcollege!