STEM & Trades Exploration Event and $500,000 in Grants Expand Student Opportunities in Technical Career Pathways
As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month unfolds throughout February, John Wood Community College (JWCC) proudly joins the nationwide celebration. JWCC currently offers 15 CTE programs, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various industries. These programs encompass a range of fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and more. The emphasis on practical, hands-on training ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
Explore STEM, Trades & Manufacturing Event February 20
JWCC will welcome all high school students (grades 9-12) to Explore: STEM, Trades & Manufacturing event on February 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at its Workforce Development Center. The event will highlight STEM and technical programs such as automation and robotics, engineering design and CAD, advanced manufacturing, and foundational science courses that support nursing and other health careers, including biology, engineering, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Prospective students in grades 9-12 can explore careers in these fields with interactive sessions and connect with industry professionals who offer high-opportunity career pathways. Students may register at explore.jwcc.edu.
Bridges Into the Trades
College staff and faculty are in the early phases of implementing two state grants to give students a head start on credentials and career experience to support regional talent pipelines.
The College received a $264,083 Innovative Bridge and Transitions Program grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), to expand advising, improve curriculum alignment with high school CTE programs, and reduce barriers in fields such as manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare, and emerging technologies.
In addition, JWCC was awarded $202,277 in funding from the ICCB Trades School Grant Program to expand dual enrollment and early career exploration opportunities for high school students, especially in high-wage, high-demand areas including industrial maintenance, certified nurse assisting, welding, truck driver training, computer science, and agriculture.
Expanding CTE Through Non-Credit Workforce Training
In addition to credit programs, JWCC continues to partner with regional employers to deliver non-credit CTE training in areas such as advanced manufacturing, industrial maintenance, automation, leadership, and emerging technologies. These programs support both new entrants to the workforce and incumbent workers seeking to upskill for promotions.
Truck Driver Training Open House
A cornerstone of JWCC’s CTE programs, the Truck Driver Training program will host an open house on Monday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the College’s Workforce Development Center. Students can talk directly with instructors and companies ready to hire graduates during the event. More information is available at jwcc.edu/truck.
High School Career Academies
JWCC’s High School Career Academies will be featured throughout the month of February. The academies allow students to complete credentials in welding, certified nurse assisting, industrial maintenance and truck driver training while in high school. More information is available at jwcc.edu/smartstart or by contacting a high school guidance counselor.
FAME Earn and Learn Program Gaining Momentum in Third Year
Six regional employers and the Great River Economic Development Foundation have launched the third application period for the next cohort of students to join the nationally acclaimed manufacturing learn and earn program. Students work three days a week at partner employers including Knapheide Manufacturing, Dot Foods, Gardner Denver, ADM, Titan Wheel, and General Mills earning $21 per hour, and train at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center two days a week. An inquiry form is available at jwcc.edu/fame. A representative will reach out to those who complete forms to assist with the application process. For more information contact Valerie Howell at vhowell@jwcc.edu or 217.641.4929.
Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours to Showcase New STEM Labs
JWCC invites the community to and open house on Thursday, February 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Science and Technology Center on its Quincy campus on 48th and Harrison. The College will showcase renovated biology, chemistry, and physics/engineering labs that are home to the foundational science courses that support career pathways in health sciences, engineering, and agriculture. Attendees will have the chance to explore the facilities, meet faculty, and see demonstrations.
