HR0647 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0647 LRB103 39808 LAW 70422 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Joliet Junior College on the occasion of the successful launch of its 12x12x12 dual credit program; and

WHEREAS, Dual credit programs provide students with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for the same course that they are taking in high school, saving students over 80% of the cost of taking college courses and improving their chances of succeeding in obtaining a college degree; and

WHEREAS, As the nation's first community college, Joliet Junior College has long stood at the forefront of higher education since its establishment in 1901, expanding from serving just six students to more than 30,000 students today; and

WHEREAS, Joliet Junior College has established itself as a statewide leader in dual credit enrollment through its 12x12x12 dual credit initiative, which was launched in fall 2023; its dual credit program, referenced as 12x12x12 for students earning 12 college credits for $12 per credit hour by 12th grade, is open to the 23 separate high school districts that fall within the community college's district; and

WHEREAS, Under Joliet Junior College's 12x12x12 dual credit program, a dual credit course of 3 credit hours costs students only $36, while taking the same course at the community college after graduating high school would normally cost at least $453, saving students over $400 per college class; and

WHEREAS, To further break down barriers to education based on socioeconomic status, Joliet Junior College's Board of Trustees unanimously supported a policy that waives dual credit fees for high school students who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); and

WHEREAS, Joliet Junior College's execution of its 12x12x12 dual credit program has proven positive thus far with a reported 23.9% increase in applicants for fall 2023, representing 1,052 new dual credit students at the community college from the previous fall semester, including a 70% increase in African American student participation, or 210 new students, and a 38% increase in Hispanic student participation, or 277 new students; and

WHEREAS, Through Joliet Junior College's 12x12x12 dual credit program, college administration has expressed hopes to impact thousands of lives by building a strong pathway to education after high school and crafting a collaborative message and vision for the influence education has on the quality of life; and

WHEREAS, In fall 2024, Joliet Junior College will be offering dual credit opportunities to high school students as early as freshman year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Joliet Junior College on the successful implementation of its 12x12x12 dual credit program, and we commend the community college for continuing to inspire learning, transform lives, and strengthen communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage community colleges to pursue and implement similar dual credit programs of their own; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Dr. Clyne Namuo of Joliet Junior College as an expression of our esteem and respect.