KCC Aims to Become Green Energy Hub, Plans Campus Renovations

Kankakee Community College is pursuing an initiative to become a regional hub for green energy jobs and is planning three major campus renovation projects, President Dr. Michael Boyd announced at the Board of Trustees meeting on June 17.

Dr. Boyd reported that the college will apply to be a hub under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a state law aimed at moving Illinois toward clean energy and creating jobs in the sector. CEJA hubs serve as centers for training, education, and connecting residents with careers in renewable energy fields like solar panel installation and electric vehicle maintenance.

“Becoming a CEJA hub would position KCC at the forefront of the new energy economy,” Dr. Boyd told the board. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to provide relevant workforce training and create opportunities for our community.”

In addition to the green energy initiative, Dr. Boyd said the college is seeking state funding for three significant renovation projects through the Resource Allocation and Management Program (RAMP). The proposed projects include upgrades to the college’s Activity Center and two separate phases of renovations for the third floor of the main building.

The college has already seen success in securing state support for campus improvements. Dr. Boyd noted that the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) recently awarded KCC a tuckpointing project to maintain the exterior of its buildings.

The board also learned that the college’s radiography program recently completed an accreditation visit, a key process for ensuring the program meets high academic and professional standards.