Kankakee Community College (KCC)

To complete a high school equivalency in Illinois, there are now three recognized tests: GED, HiSet, and Test Accessing Secondary Completion (TASC). The KCC Testing Center proctors the GED and HiSet. Adult Education classes are based on skills and, therefore, prepare students to take all three tests. The Adult Education Learning System helps adults complete their high school educational requirements or improve their academic skills.

Provides basic skill instructions in the areas of reading, math, writing, and English. Educational materials and sessions are available at no cost to the student. For more information, call 815-802-8307, email ALIVE Director Shannan Carrell at scarrell@kcc.edu, OR visit: https://adulted.kcc.edu/programs/community-literacy/

The Baby Talk Program introduces the importance of early literacy to parents of newborns at local hospitals. This program is a collaborative effort between Kankakee Community College, United Way of Kankakee County, Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, area hospitals, and trained volunteers. Parents are the key to a child's success in learning to read. Reading, singing, and talking to babies stimulate brain growth. Research shows that reading to babies every day from birth increases brain capacity for language and literacy skills. It is the single most important thing you can do to prepare a child to read. For more information, email Shannan Carrell or call 815-802-8307.

In its College Credit Division, KCC awards associate degrees in more than 40 areas of study and certificates of completion in 17 areas. Students attend KCC both to prepare to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree and to prepare to enter the job market directly from KCC. KCC also offers non-degree programs to meet a variety of community needs, including workforce development and remedial development, through its Office of Corporate and Continuing Education and its Division of Adult & Community Education.

Books, e-books, journals, films, inter-library loan requests, and more are made available to the faculty and student body of Kankakee Community College as well as residents of District 520. Email for more information: library@kcc.edu

TRIO Talent Search is a federally-funded grant program that identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including high school dropouts, who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. To learn more, visit: http://www.kcc.edu/future/start/talentsearch/Pages/default.aspx

The KCC Upward Bound program is designed to assist college-bound high school students in overcoming barriers to pursuing a college education. KCC works cooperatively with Kankakee High School and St. Anne Community High School to offer the Upward Bound program to 78 students. The program is administered by KCC through a U.S. Department of Education grant. Services include: Weekly supplemental classes at KCC. Homework assistance. Educational/cultural activities and trips. Opportunities for continued involvement after high school. Opportunities to begin earning college credit while in high school. Assistance with applying to college and applying for scholarships/financial aid. Small cash payments based on participation and progress. To apply, visit: http://www.kcc.edu/future/start/upwardbound/Pages/joinub.aspx

Career training available for those who qualify. Workforce Services is a partner with the Illinois Dpt. of Employment Security and helps individuals find employment. Youth are also offered help in seeking their GED. Individuals who qualify for these services include SNAP users, those currently receiving Unemployment benefits, youth, and those with a qualifying level of household income. This program is a part of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). Individuals who are unemployed or underemployed could be eligible for up to $10,000 in career training through a workforce service grant. For more information, contact: Dana Washington Director of Workforce Services- dwashington@kcc.edu

Young adults ages 16 - 24 years old may be eligible for Young Adult Program Services (YAPS). This program works with youth/young adults who need a GED or need help transitioning into college/workforce. Workshops, training, & other resources are available to help with the transition process.