Kankakee Community College has received a state grant to expand English as a Second Language instruction and supportive services for adult learners.
The funding of $44,000 will be used for new citizenship classes and two additional ESL classes in remote areas of the district.
“This grant is to expand English language instruction and supportive services for adult learners,” said Shannan Carrell, director of Adult and Community Education at KCC. “The grant will support programming to increase English proficiency, strengthen basic skills, promote family and employment stability, and help adult learners achieve self-sufficiency as parents, workers, and engaged community members.”
KCC offers English as a Second Language classes in Kankakee, Bradley and Momence. All ESL classes are free to students. The new locations are planned for Watseka and Pembroke. Adding these locations increases access to services for underserved populations, Carrell said.
In all, seven colleges in Illinois received funding from the Illinois Community College Board after a competitive application process.
To request more information, fill out the request form at www.kcc.edu/esl; email Margarita Buzzell, coordinator of ESL Enrollment & Retention, mbuzzell@kcc.edu; or phone 815-802-8303.
The photos show participants and instructors at the May 2025 English as a Second Language recognition program.
Kankakee Community College will sponsor a Job Fair from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.
Booths are available, free of charge, for area businesses to participate. The reservation deadline is April 10. Employers can register at www.kcc.edu/jobfair.
“Our goal is to create a dynamic space where local talent and industry leaders don’t just meet, but truly connect,” said Cydney Boyd, coordinator of career services at KCC. “We are bridging the gap by empowering job seekers to step beyond the digital application and engage in meaningful, face-to-face conversations with a diverse range of employers. It’s a unique opportunity for candidates to showcase their potential and for recruiters to find the perfect fit for their team.”
The Job Fair is sponsored by KCC’s Charlton Family Foundation Career Services Center.
For further information, phone 815-802-8535, email cboyd@kcc.edu or visit www.kcc.edu/jobfair.
Looking for the perfect way to show your KCC pride this month? The Hammes Bookstore is having a special sale with 25% off selected clothing items for a limited time.
Now is the perfect time to save on your favorite KCC apparel.
The sale ends Friday, Feb. 27. Stop by the Hammes Bookstore and take advantage of this special offer while supplies last.
Image by Polina Tankilevitch on pexels.com.
Kankakee Community College is offering Microsoft Copilot in the Workplace, a practical class designed to help employees work more efficiently using artificial intelligence within Microsoft apps.
Participants will learn how to use Microsoft Copilot to draft content, analyze information, generate ideas, and automate routine tasks. The focus is on saving time and improving day-to-day productivity using tools already available in the workplace.
Attendees will leave with strategies to complete tasks faster, streamline workflows, improve accuracy and consistency, and use AI to support everyday work.
The class meets Friday, April 3 from 1-2:30 p.m. at KCC’s Riverfront Campus, 100 College Drive in Kankakee, Room D122. The class does not award college credit.
The cost is $40. To register, visit www.kcc.edu/comejoinus, sign up or login, then find and select the course. Click on the date and add it to your cart. In the cart, add yourself as an attendee and checkout. To register by phone, or for more information, phone 815-802-8206.
