Governor Quinn Announces $5 Million Capital Investment in Kankakee Community College

KANKAKEE - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $5 million state investment to build the Advanced Technology Education Center, a 21,000 square-foot addition at Kankakee Community College (KCC) that will enhance learning opportunities in green energy and other emerging technologies. The project will also create construction jobs and drive local economic growth. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that all people have access to a quality education.

"Today's investment will help train students in growing industries and enhance their career opportunities after graduation," Governor Quinn said. "It is critical that we invest in education and this addition will give students a new and updated space in which to learn and grow."

"The entire KCC community is excited to move forward with this innovative project," KCC President Dr. John Avendano said. "Future jobs depend on developing skills in energy technology and this facility will provide a place to educate the future workforce technicians in renewable energy. The Center will be a regional resource for this advanced and cutting-edge technology."

The $5 million investment, funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will construct a new facility on the KCC campus. The Advanced Technology Education Center will contain classrooms, labs, offices and support spaces to provide hands-on technical training in fields such as wind generation, solar thermal, solar photo-voltaic systems and electrical (National Electric Code NEC) instruction.

The addition at KCC is being designed to meet or exceed the requirement for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Gold certification. The college will contribute $600,000 toward the project's $5.6 million total cost.

"Investing in campus development projects like the Advanced Technology Education Center at Kankakee Community College keep academic communities optimized, vibrant and modern," State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) said. "This center will attract the next generation of great thinkers by giving students the facilities they need to create the brightest future for themselves."

"Investing in education and expanding opportunities for students is vital to enhancing our workforce," State Representative Kate Cloonen (D-Kankakee) said. "This project will provide new and innovative opportunities for students in the Kankakee area, and help them better prepare for a competitive, global job market."

The mission of KCC is "Enhancing quality of life through learning." KCC is an accredited two-year college which awards associate degrees and certificates of completion. KCC prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges or enter the workforce. The college also offers continuing education courses and certification training, literacy programs, English as a Second Language and GED preparation. The college has the Riverfront Campus in Kankakee, South Extension Center in Watseka, North Extension Center in Bradley and Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Center in Kankakee.