On Thursday, Nov. 7, Kankakee Community College will commemorate Veterans Day with a reception and recognition ceremony.
The day will begin with a reception from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the KCC Art Gallery, on the first floor of the Arts and Sciences Building. A ceremony honoring veterans will be at 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Miner Memorial Library. The public is invited.
Posting of the colors will be from the Marine Corps League Detachment 1253. The detachment will also be recognized during the ceremony.
In 2017, the Marine Corps League Detachment 1253 started a scholarship at KCC.
“It is to honor all Marines who have gone before us, and to give, so their memory will live,” said Kendra Souligne, KCC director of financial aid & student engagement. “They have also provided mentorship to KCC Veteran Affairs staff and the KCC Veterans Association.”
“KCC is proud to serve and provide an education for students who have served our country,” added Megan Ponton, assistant director of financial aid & veteran services. “We are committed to helping veterans as they return to college life.”
At the ceremony, an update will be shared about the Mark Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship. Rodriguez, a Marine Corps veteran who attended KCC from 2015-18, helped found the KCC Veterans Resource Center and was an influential officer for the KCC Veterans Association. He passed away in February 2018. KCC awarded him an honorary degree in May 2018. A $500 annual scholarship is offered in his honor.
The KCC Veterans Association is open to KCC students and staff who are military veterans, members of the military community, and supporters. It is an approved chapter of Student Veterans of America and SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society.
For more information, contact Souligne, at ksouligne@kcc.edu or phone 815-802-8556. KCC is located at 100 College Drive, Kankakee.
Photo by Kaboompics.com on Pexels.
The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) is a grant program which has helped 221 Kankakee Community College students in the last year.
PATH is a statewide grant program that creates, supports, and expands opportunities for individuals studying nursing and other select healthcare pathways in Illinois. Through PATH, Illinois community colleges are expanding access to healthcare training opportunities, allowing more students to obtain credentials and degrees that allow them to enter and/or advance in their careers in the healthcare industry.
“PATH opens doors to healthcare careers for students who may not have had the opportunity,” said Jenna Sambrooks, the health careers navigator at KCC. Sambrooks connects students to internal and external supports including mental health services, financial aid, scholarships, and financial literacy.
“I have seen firsthand, time and time again, PATH make immediate and effective difference in the lives of the students and consequently, their families and the community,” Sambrooks said. “PATH is an invaluable resource, not just for short term assistance, but for the long-term success of the students.”
The target populations for PATH funding are incumbent workers; new students with an identified need for support and an intention to continue their employment in Illinois; and low-income, first generation, and minority students.
“They want to see you be successful and the PATH program has helped me maintain my class work while also helping financially,” said Brandy Grove of Manteno, who received PATH funding while working toward becoming a registered nurse. “It has helped me stay where I need to be so that I can be successful and finish my degree. The program has also helped with building a better budget and better skills to handle finances.”
“I came out strong. It made me want to be a better person in helping others, including myself,” said Gwyneaetta Ford of Bourbonnais, who completed KCC’s Certified Nursing Assistant class. “The program motivated me … from the encouragement from teachers and classmates. You have to put in the work and effort into what you want, it will not be given to you, but the help is there.”
KCC offers health careers associate degrees and certificates in six areas: nursing, paramedic, respiratory therapist, physical therapist assistant, radiography and medical laboratory technology.
PATH Grant Impact
Source: ICCB PATH Grant data.
PATH grant at KCC – Fiscal Year 2024
Source: KCC records.
About this article
The Fall 2024 information series highlights programs offered at Illinois community colleges, where community support can expand access to higher education and foster a skilled workforce.
Week of Nov. 4: Dual Credit - The community colleges of Illinois, including KCC, are leading the way as the primary providers of dual credit. Dual credit programs provide high school students the opportunity to earn credits towards their diploma and college degree while in high school.
Week of Nov. 11: Workforce Equity Initiative – Eighteen community colleges in Illinois participate in the Workforce Equity Initiative, which expands skills training and support to at-risk communities while addressing the workforce gaps in Illinois.
The KCC Student Nurses Association organization is hosting a fundraising event for the Manteno Veteran’s home until Nov 8.
For the “No Tricks, Just Treats” drive, the club is collecting individually wrapped snacks and treats that will be delivered on Veteran’s Day.
The collection box is in KCC’s Health Careers Division Office, Room W102. Here are requests from the veterans:
Thank you for supporting our heroes!
Photo by Kaboompics.com on Pexels.
Due to maintenance, KCC Food Service will be closed Monday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 29. Food Service will re-open on Monday, Dec. 2.
Vending services will remain available.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
