KANKAKEE – Renovations to the Technology Building at Kankakee Community College are moving forward after State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex ) and State Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee) secured funds last year’s budget for capital infrastructure improvement, and will be used to renovate some of the Technology Building classrooms on the Kankakee Community College Riverfront Campus.

“Colleges and universities like Kankakee Community College not only provide students with a top-notch education, but also contribute to economic development in our communities,” Joyce said. “Despite all the challenges we have faced this year, this funding shows the state’s commitment to accelerating higher education in Kankakee.”

The funds will be used to begin Phase 1 of the two-phased project, renovating lab space that will enhance the Electrical Engineering Technology program. When both phases are finished, students will enjoy expanded and modernized instruction areas, upgraded equipment, and renovated student training and workspaces.

The renovations will benefit all of KCC’s Technology Division programs: Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Graphic Technology, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, and Automotive Technology.

“Kankakee Community College is a vital part of our local economy and workforce development," Parkhurst said. "KCC was number one on my list to receive state funds to improve outdated infrastructure and assist KCC in its aim of providing all-aged learners the education and tools they need to enrich and improve their lives and careers. Thank you to KCC for always putting community first!”

This phase of KCC’s technology renovations is budgeted at $1.75 million and will begin in February 2021. It is expected to be completed by June, with the first classes in the newly renovated spaces in Fall 2021.