Slight change to Bistro Verde spring 2024 dates

bistro verde in the Workforce Careers CenterBistro Verde To Go has wrapped up spring hours, that means Bistro Verde is right around the corner. LLCC’s student-run restaurant transforms mid-semester to a casual, fine dining concept, offering a full-service lunch experience that features appetizers, soups, salads, desserts, coffees and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended.

Full service dining dates have changed slightly.

March 27-May 2, 2024 (closed March 26 and April 23, 24, 25).
Tue, Wed and Thu
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

LLCC awarded VR grant funding

The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has awarded $766,000 to 12 Illinois Community Colleges to help implement virtual reality (VR) equipment into existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs throughout the state. Overall, the funding will allow recipient colleges to purchase VR hardware and software to recruit and instruct students in a variety of workforce training programs. LLCC has been awarded $91,688 for the areas of health professions, workforce, and arts and communication.

“The Illinois Community College System is constantly looking to stay at the forefront of workforce development. This funding will not only help recruit students who want access to the latest technology but also provide new cutting-edge training opportunities to better position them for success in their chosen career fields,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham.

The two-year grant program was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pritzker in FY24. Individual grant amounts were awarded based on college program and equipment needs.

VR grant funding can be used to purchase VR hardware and software to expand or enhance current Career & Technical Education student recruiting practices using VR technology or start a new CTE program to include VR technology.

LLCC at Central Illinois Building Trades Career Day

LLCC recruitment and WEI staff attended the Central Illinois Building Trades Career Day Wednesday at the Bank of Springfield Center, speaking with high school students about careers in the trades. More than 70 students from Mt. Pulaski, Winchester and Triopia then came to campus and toured our Workforce Careers Center!

Visitors tour the auto tech lab on campus

Special thanks to those who assisted with middle school tours!

LLCC Public Relations and Marketing staff would like to thank everyone who assisted us with the campus tours for more than 370 Glenwood Middle School students, teachers and parents who visited campus on May 1 and 2. During the visits, the students were given the opportunity to learn about several of the career and technical programs at LLCC by participating faculty and staff. Special thanks to Nick Ferreira, Melissa Glossop, Dr. Sonja Harvey, Bill Harmon, Christopher Tople, Julie Rourke, Tom Spears, Tracy Stout, Nancy Sweet, Michael Clark, Christina Courier, Jim Gain, Brian Earley, Holly Bauman and Julie Sutfin.

The students started their visit with a brief welcome, then toured the Workforce Careers Center and health professions labs. They learned about agriculture, automotive technology, aviation, culinary, commercial electrical maintenance, emergency services, emerging technologies, nursing and surgical technology. Students also enjoyed popcorn provided by emerging technologies and special treats from baking and pastry created on an anti-griddle!

Demonstration of ambulance simulatorPreparing treats in baking and pastry labSoil sampler in Ag Mechanics labRobotic arm in emerging technologies labStudents in Auto Technology lab

Register for a raised bed in the LLCC Community Garden

Faculty, staff, students and community members can now register for a raised bed in the LLCC Community Garden. As a garden participant you will manage your own space to grow the fruits or vegetables of your choice all season long. A $20 garden fee allows you to choose one or two raised beds. There are also options for three and four beds available, depending on the amount of space you are willing to manage. Raised beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. First-time gardeners are welcome!

There are many documented benefits of gardening – it is cheaper to grow your own food; you can reduce stress through gardening activities and connecting with the soil; and you can eat a healthier, more delicious diet by incorporating whole foods that you grow yourself.

The LLCC Community Garden is located behind the Workforce Careers Center and Montgomery Hall. We have secured funding this year for new fencing for the garden area. Hopefully this will detour the deer population and other garden pests from produce and flowers.

Contact Darla Cochran at 786-2407 or darla.cochran@llcc.edu for more information about the LLCC Community Garden and to inquire about garden space availability.

HCCTP repairs sidewalk east of Menard Hall

The Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) students have finished pouring concrete for a new section of sidewalk east of Menard Hall. The existing sidewalk was cracked and in need of repair. HCCTP teaches the basics of construction through hands-on training. So students laid out a new plan for that section of sidewalk, removed the old concrete with jack hammers and moved the sidewalk over so it lined up with the east door of Menard Hall. Students were assisted by the Cement Masons Local 18.

HCCTP sidewalk repair HCCTP sidewalk repair
HCCTP sidewalk repair HCCTP sidewalk repair

Truck Driver Training program receives special thanks

Thank you so much for allowing CRAIG to visit our Pre-K program to help celebrate Week of the Young Child. He always does a fantastic job explaining what a truck driver does. I love seeing our children’s faces light up when they sit in the seat of the BIG truck.

Thanks again,
Janelle Moffitt,
Ball-Chatham Pre-K Parent Coordinator

Register now for the 2017 Community Garden!

Faculty, staff, and students can now register for a raised bed in the LLCC Community Garden. As a garden participant you will manage your own space to grow the fruits or vegetables of your choice all season long. A $20 garden allows you to choose one or two raised beds, depending on the amount of space you are willing to manage. Raised beds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. First-time gardeners are welcome!

There are many documented benefits of gardening – it is cheaper to grow your own food; you can reduce stress through gardening activities and connecting with the soil; and you can eat a healthier, more delicious diet by incorporating whole foods that you grow yourself.

The LLCC Community Garden is located behind the Workforce Careers Center and Montgomery Hall.

Contact Marnie Record at 786-4993 for more information about the LLCC Community Garden and to inquire about garden space availability.