Joliet Junior College, established in 1901, is the oldest community college in the nation. JJC provided affordable college classes and degree programs to members of the surrounding communities. The institution has grown immensely over the years while always maintaining its ?small town? community appeal.

In 1969, the college again became a pioneer in education by instituting a culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum to meet the needs of the fast-growing industry. Now with just over 3,800 culinary training schools in the U.S., JJC still is ranked among the best. The faculty is composed of all full-time, multi-certified chef instructors and a knowledgeable hospitality instructor, with a combined total of over 140 years? experience in the industry.

The programs are a submersion in hands-on training and practice in all aspects of the industry from cooking methods and sanitation to food and wine pairing and purchasing. Both of these programs offer an associates degree. When a student graduates from either program, he or she can be proud to know they have graduated from one of the most well-respected and well-known culinary/hospitality schools in the world. We also have three new baking and pastry arts certificates that students can earn, and we expect to offer an associates degree in baking and pastry arts soon. Why pay the excessive tuition and fees of a private school when JJC provides an exceptional education and real-life experience at an affordable price?

In addition to the exceptional faculty and education, I must mention the extras that make our programs unique. Students can try out for a spot on our culinary hot foods or knowledge bowl competition teams, attend one of our summer European excursions, apply for a yearlong Germany externship or join one of our student clubs.

If you want to know the end result of all your work at JJC, our graduates are sought for employment all over the world. Recruiters from companies such as Disney World and the Marriott Corporation actively seek our students even before graduation. If you?re ready to begin training for one of the most exciting, fast-paced and rewarding industries out there, or if you would simply like to request more information about one of our programs, please call (815) 729-9020 ext 2255.