Joliet Junior College

Discover Joliet Junior College, a true trailblazer in American education. Founded in 1901, it holds the distinction of being the nation's first public junior college, born from a vision to make higher education accessible to all. This historic institution was conceived by J. Stanley Brown, Superintendent of Joliet Township High School, and William Rainey Harper, President of the University of Chicago, who sought to remove financial barriers that prevented talented students from pursuing their academic dreams.

From its humble beginnings with a pioneering class of just six students, whose classes were initially held within Joliet Township High School, JJC quickly established its vital role. By 1916, its name was formalized, and just a year later, it earned accreditation from the esteemed North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, solidifying its commitment to academic excellence. This early recognition laid the foundation for a legacy of quality instruction and student success.

The student experience at Joliet Junior College has evolved significantly since its inception. While early college bulletins were shared through the high school paper, students gained their own voice with the launch of "The Blazer" newspaper in 1929. The college made a significant move in September 1969 to its expansive current campus at 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet, with facilities fully operational by 1974 thanks to the efforts of its first president, Elmer Rowley. Today, JJC continues to expand its reach, offering convenient access to education through additional sites in Romeoville, Morris, and Frankfort, ensuring its mission of accessible higher education continues to thrive for a new generation of learners.