LLCC establishes Open Door – Workforce Equity Initiative with $1 million grant

Open Door - Workforce Equity Initiative press conferenceLLCC announced yesterday that it has been awarded a $1 million grant to establish the Open Door – Workforce Equity Initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to provide minority and low income individuals with career training that will lead to employment ocally in less than a year. Eligible students can begin these programs at LLCC in January 2020.

Dr. Charlotte Warren“Fifty-two years ago, our college was founded to address our community’s needs around education, employment and economic development. LLCC’s mission, values and goals are inclusive and reflect our desire to provide all of our constituency with opportunities and supports for success,” said LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. “The Open Door – Equity Workforce Initiative is an exciting opportunity to continue our mission.”

Michael PhelonThe initiative is designed to improve workforce equity and provide short-term training opportunities to address identified workforce gaps. LLCC will provide training opportunities in central sterile service technician, certified medical assistant, CNA to certified medical assistant, dental assistant, electrocardiogram (ECG) technician, emergency medical technician (EMT) basic, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, truck driver training, auto technology and welding.

“Program participants will receive free tuition, a stipend, transportation assistance, child care assistance, and other supports to accelerate the time for the participants to enter and succeed in postsecondary education/training programs that lead to employment in high skilled, high wage and in-demand occupations,” explained Michael Phelon, director, Open Door program.

Information sessions for individuals interested in participating will be scheduled in the near future. For more information on the Open Door – Workforce Equity Initiative, visit www.llcc.edu/open-door-wei.

In the news

The announcement of the $1 million grant for the Open Door – Equity Initiative was covered by WICS/FOX55, WCIA and WAND TV news, WFMB/Sports Radio 1450, the State Journal-Register and The Lamp student newspaper. Interviewees were Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees; Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president; and Michael Phelon, director, Open Door program.

Dee Krueger, director, LLCC-Taylorville, was interviewed yesterday about spring registration, Multicultural Fest, Mental Health Awareness Day and LLCC-Taylorville Visit Day on the WTIM morning talk show.

16th Annual Multicultural Fest, Oct. 3

Join us at the LLCC 16th Annual Multicultural Fest. Cultural exhibits, international flavors and entertainment. Free & open to the public. Wednesday, October 2nd, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Outside of Menard Hall (rain or shine). Lincoln Land Community College Student Life.The college’s 16th annual Multicultural Fest, sponsored by LLCC Student Life, will take place Wednesday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside A. Lincoln Commons on the Springfield campus. LLCC Outreach Centers in Beardstown, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville will also host celebrations in October. The events are free and open to the public.

The annual Multicultural Fest showcases various cultures with ethnic food, entertainment and cultural exhibits.

Local food trucks are offering free samples of ethnic food at the event. Restaurants serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. include AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill, B&W Good Eats and Sweets, Gyros Stop and Cooper’s StrEATside Bistro.

Entertainment includes dance performances by LotusFire Bellydancers, Torch_Nation, and Modeste Mundongi and Jacqueese Kongolo. DJ Yinka will cover music from various regions of the world such as Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Those providing cultural exhibits are Baha’i Faith, Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, International Student Association, Japanese Koto of Springfield, LLCC Dance Club: Express Your Seoul., LotusFire BellyDance, NAACP Springfield, Palos Style, Phoenix Center, Sister Cities Association, Sol Peru, Springfield Commission on International Visitors and United States Air Force.

In addition to the festivities taking place on the Springfield campus, LLCC Outreach Centers will also host multicultural events.

  • LLCC-Jacksonville, 32 N. Central Park Plaza – Tuesday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • LLCC-Litchfield, 1 Lincoln Land Dr. – Tuesday, Oct. 1, 4-6 p.m.
  • LLCC-Beardstown, 109 White Pine Ln. – Wednesday, Oct. 2, 4:30-6 p.m.
  • LLCC-Taylorville, 800 S. Spresser – Thursday, Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

End-of-month deposits due today before noon

The deadline to submit your deposits to LLCC Finance is today, Sept. 27, before noon. Please hand the deposit to Nichole Coffey or another member of the finance department as monies should not be left unattended.

As a reminder, if you have taken in funds, it is necessary to submit them and corresponding deposit slips to the finance department on a daily basis.

If you have questions, please contact LLCC Student Accounts at 786-2480.  Thank you!

Nominate a deserving colleague for KUDOS by Sept. 30

Lincoln Land Community College KUDOS: Key or Unique Demonstrations of Outstanding ServiceBrighten someone’s day. Say, “Thank you! Great job!” by nominating that person for a Key or Unique Demonstrations of Outstanding Service (KUDOS) award! Submissions will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 30. Nominate a deserving colleague by filling out the online submission form. Please use the Chrome or Firefox browser when completing this form. The KUDOS awards will be announced Thursday, Oct. 10.

The KUDOS awards are an informal way to recognize the special contributions — small and large — made by faculty and staff that create the positive environment that is LLCC.

JCPenney Suit-Up Event Oct. 25

You'll Find More Than Suits at the Suit-Up Event. Save the Date - Friday, October 25th. JCPenney Suit-Up Event.Mark your calendars for the JCPenney Suit-Up Event on Friday, Oct. 25. In partnership with the local store, LLCC Career Services will be hosting this event to provide sharp discounts for students on a variety of career and work-ready clothing, essentials and accessories. Student-focused activities with giveaways, social media fun and more will take place 2-5 p.m. Simple ways for you to help engage your students in this upcoming event will be announced soon. More details to come!

Press conference today at 1:30 p.m.

A press conference will be held today, Sept. 26, at 1:30 p.m. in the Robert H. Stephens Room for the announcement of a major grant to LLCC. This grant will enhance workforce training and employment opportunities for residents in high need communities.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report now available

Lincoln Land Community College is committed to assisting all members of the college community in providing for their own safety and security.  The annual security and fire safety compliance document is now available on the LLCC Police Department website.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report which contains this information, you can stop by the LLCC Police Department located in Sangamon Hall South, Springfield campus, or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 217-786-2278.

The website and booklet contain information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, campus police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. They also contain information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Lincoln Land Community College; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

This information is required by law and is provided by the LLCC Police Department.