This April, Moraine Valley joins colleges nationwide in celebrating Community College Month, or #CCMonth, highlighting the essential role community and technical colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding economic opportunity. #CCMonth is an annual grassroots campaign to bring attention to the value and importance of community colleges led by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
“We echo this year’s Community College Month theme, wholeheartedly agreeing that community colleges are the smartest first step and the strongest next step for millions of learners,” said Dr. Pamela J. Haney, college president. “Community college provides pathways for students preparing to transfer, seeking a career-ready credential or building new skills through short-term training.”
Haney explained that Moraine Valley not only provides an option for students to pursue an affordable education, but a competitive and robust college experience, “Students graduate from Moraine Valley with in-demand job skills, and they leave with a well-rounded background that supports both their professional goals and personal growth. In fact, 99% of our graduates recommend Moraine Valley.”
Moraine Valley’s Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution at its March 19 meeting celebrating National Community College Month in honor of the more than 1,200 community colleges in the country and their role in offering educational opportunities.
In a press release from the Office of Governor JB Pritzker, the governor proposed expanding access to four-year degrees at community colleges, sharing, “We have some really terrific four-year institutions that are a vital part of the higher education system in Illinois, but we need to recognize that there are geographic, financial and accessibility constraints that close off too many students from attending those schools. With lower tuition rates and a greater presence across the state – especially in rural areas – community colleges provide the flexibility and affordability for students to pursue a quality education that works for them.”
Community members interested in Moraine Valley can attend the college’s Open House on Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to noon, in Building M at 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. Register at morainevalley.edu/open-house to take a campus tour, attend presentations, meet faculty and explore the college’s programs.
For news media inquiries, contact Madisson Younglove, assistant director of Communications, at (708) 974-5281 or email younglovem2@morainevalley.edu.
