JJC Blog

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 Association, Illinois Department of Economic and Opportunity and JJC.

Tags: Careers, Tips & Tricks, About JJC, COVID-19

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. 

Tags: Tips & Tricks, Just for Fun, About JJC, Community, MakerLab

Chefs in Joliet Junior College’s Culinary Arts Department are so experienced that they could whip up just about anything. From fancy holiday meals to easy drinks you can enjoy poolside, there isn’t a bad thing on the menu. And these days, you owe it to yourself for a fun activity and a little relaxation. Besides, there are plenty of warm days still ahead of us.  

Tags: Tips & Tricks, Just for Fun, Summer, Culinary, Recipes

Joliet Junior College faculty and staff are committed to ensuring students have the right resources to succeed. In the months since JJC switched to online learning and remote services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot has been learned on how to best work and learn from home. We shared many of our professor’s unique remote teaching methods in a previous blog.

Fall classes at JJC begin Aug. 17, with lecture classes online and face-to-face labs if the state remains in Phase 4 of its Restore Illinois plan. Whether you’re already enrolled for the fall semester or still considering your options, know that remote learning will continue to be common for some time. Consider these tips from JJC faculty and students to get the most out of the online learning experience.

Tags: Tips & Tricks, JJC Experts, Online Learning

Sure, the stores are now stocked with a variety of face masks that help protect us amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That doesn’t mean you can’t still create your own, especially if you’re looking to fill any free time this summer with some new projects.

Need a blueprint to follow? Students in JJC’s costume class, under the direction of Fine Arts Professor Julie Giampaolo, not only sewed their own masks from home this spring as part of remote course work, but donated them to community members! Over 500 masks were distributed to eight different medical facilities, as well as to JJC employees and students.

Whether you’re sewing by hand or using a machine, you can create your own mask with some fabric, thread, and by following these steps.

Tags: Tips & Tricks, Just for Fun, JJC Experts, Online Learning

JJC has six campuses and education centers that serve more than 27,000 students each year. With that many students and our abundance of degree and certificate programs, there's a lot of space to explore. While in-person tours are currently unavailable for prospective students amid the COVID-19 pandemic, visits to campus can take place virtually!  

Tags: For New Students, Tips & Tricks, Romeoville Campus, Virtual Tours

Since classes have been transitioned to an online format due to COVID-19, students and faculty members must adjust to this new virtual normal. 

Tags: Tips & Tricks, Student Services, Online Learning

JJC offers many extracurricular activities for students, including collegiate level athletics. Students can participate in 11 sports: wrestling, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer and cheerleading.  

Tags: For New Students, Tips & Tricks, Athletics, Student Voices

Struggling to fill out your FAFSA application? Studying for your anatomy test? As a college student there's always something new to learn; that’s why you’re here, right?! Luckily there are websites and apps available that can help you navigate college and ace your classes!  

Tags: For New Students, Tips & Tricks, Financial Aid, FAFSA, Majors

It’s the beginning of a new year and you know what that means; many people are making resolutions to be a better version of themselves. For most, those resolutions have failed before the month is even over.  

Tags: Tips & Tricks, Just for Fun, Holidays