About Kennedy-King College

Community college education has existed in Chicago since 1911 when Crane Technical High School opened its doors to 28 adults seeking higher education. This led to the establishment of Crane Junior College. From this modest beginning, the City Colleges of Chicago has grown to a family of seven diversified colleges, three learning centers and four technical institutes.

Clarence Darrow, the renowned Chicago lawyer, argued in defense of the City Colleges when, during the Depression, its existence was threatened by a financially strapped Board of Education. Darrow stated that higher education in the form of the then "junior college," had to endure, because the City Colleges were "for the people." This philosophy has endured. The City Colleges today reaches over 200,000 people annually, through programs housed in local community-based organizations, public and parochial high schools, social and service centers, branches of the Chicago Public Library, and 13 existing facilities of the City Colleges System.

As a result of state legislative action in 1966, the City Colleges status as a junior college changed to that of a comprehensive community college. CCC offers an excellent college transfer curriculum, college-level occupational programs, entry-level job training, and programs for adults in English as a Second Language, literacy training, Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Equivalency (GED), Alternative High School, and special interest courses. The opportunities for learning at the City Colleges of Chicago are diverse and appealing. Variety of programs, convenience, affordable tuition, and highly qualified faculty committed to teaching make the City Colleges of Chicago a system which continues to be one "for the people."

The Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 508 is governed by the Illinois Public Community College Act (110 ILCS 805/1 -1, et seq.) and the Rules for the Management and Government of the City Colleges of Chicago with any amendments enacted or adopted thereafter.

The Philosophy of Kennedy-King College

The philosophy of Kennedy-King College, derived from the philosophy of the City Colleges of Chicago as defined by the Illinois Master Plan for Higher Education and the Illinois Public Community College Act, is to accept all eligible students and to provide them with an education appropriate to their needs, that will allow them to achieve the kind of economic, cultural, and social life they desire.

The Facilities

Kennedy-King College is situated on an eighteen acre campus.The multi level educational complex spanning Wentworth Avenue was completed in 1972. In addition to classrooms; our facility has two gymnasiums, a day care center: a theatre, swimming pool, television studio and radio station WKKC FM. There is also a library with over 50,000 books and micro films, a spacious Academic Support Center; food service areas, and numerous laboratories such as the ones used by the automotive technology and photo offset printing departments.

 

Kennedy King College offers:

Transfer Programs

The first two years of a degree program for students who intend to transfer to a senior college or university to pursue a Baccalaureate Degree. Students can earn an Associate of Arts (with areas of concentration in communications, social sciences, humanities and pre professional fields), Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts Music, or Associate in General Studies Degree.

Career Programs

Specialized courses for students who intend to enter immediate employment or upgrade their professional and technical skills. Courses are offered in business, computer technology, culinary arts, broadcasting, theater, air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive technology, electronics, graphic communications, dental hygiene, nursing, child development, and mental health. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree or a Certificate of Completion.

Pre-Credit/Developmental Program

Background courses of study and academic support for high school graduates to build and enhance their basic academic skills.

Vocational Skills Program

Short term training in business, health and industrial occupations offered primarily at Dawson Technical Institute.

Adult Education

Literacy, GED (High School Equivalency) test preparation, and ESL (English as a second language) courses are taught for adult learners who want to improve their reading, writing, and math skills; earn their high school equivalency certificate; or become more proficient in English language skills.


Continuing Education/Business and Industry Services

Educational Services for a large educationally diverse population are available. The programs are designed to provide students with lifelong learning opportunities. Non-credit courses include personal enrichment, career advancement, customized training for businesses and organizations, and certificate training programs.

General Education Goals

In an increasingly dynamic world, the college must clearly state its educational philosophy in terms of the outcomes it seeks to create for its graduates.

Our Graduates:

1. Communicate effectively in speech and writing.

2. Understand modern concepts of science and scientific inquiry and relationships in contemporary life.

3. Understand mathematics and computer technology and the relationship between mathematical and technological realities in contemporary life.

4. Have a responsiveness to the aesthetic, emotive and intellectual expressions of human concerns.

5. Understand the ways in which individuals perceive, experience, and behave in their personal and social environment.

6. Are effective self evaluators and seek lifelong education.

Accreditation/Certifications

Kennedy King College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools [30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602; (312) 263 0456] and approved by the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Office of Education, Department of Adult, Vocational, and Technical Education.

The Nursing Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Regulations and by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Registration and Education of the State of Illinois approves the real estate programs. Kennedy King College is recognized by the State Approving Agency for Veterans' Education as well as the federal Veterans' Administration for the Training of Veterans. The Child Development Center day care facility is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, State of Illinois.