Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College stands as a true pioneer in American higher education, holding the esteemed title of the nation's first public junior college. Founded in 1901, its creation was a visionary response to the challenge of making college accessible and affordable for all. Born from the collaboration between J. Stanley Brown, Superintendent of Joliet Township High School, and William Rainey Harper, President of the University of Chicago, JJC was designed to offer advanced education right in the community, initially operating within the high school itself.

From a groundbreaking first class of just six students, Joliet Junior College quickly grew in significance and stature. The institution's name was formalized in 1916, and it achieved crucial accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools just a year later in 1917, solidifying its academic standing. This early commitment to quality and accessibility laid the foundation for its enduring legacy.

Today, Joliet Junior College continues its mission of community enrichment and educational empowerment. After moving to its expansive current main campus in 1969, and with the building fully operational by 1974, it now extends its reach through additional sites in Romeoville, Morris, and Frankfort, Illinois. With a rich history of fostering academic ambition and supporting student success, JJC offers a vibrant student experience, including its long-running student newspaper, The Blazer, first published in 1929, making it a cornerstone of educational opportunity in the region.