Welcome To The Future of Education
As a long-time leader and education advocate, I could not be prouder to introduce you to the embodiment of the future of education and the bridge to success for students in Chicago’s south suburbs (and beyond): the Southland Career & Technical Education Center, commonly known at the SCTEC.
The brainchild of several of my colleagues from educational institutions, the SCTEC is an ambitious, forward-looking initiative that will address an unmet need in the south suburbs to support thousands of learners with real-time, relevant preparation to secure jobs and pursue the technical careers of the future.
Known as The Collective, our singular mission was to provide learners with technologically advanced Career & Technical Education options. Simply stated, the momentum behind this innovative area career center that will be headquartered in Park Forest, IL, and that will address an unmet need is palpable and promising.
Today and going forward, I invite parents and guardians, active and retired teachers, coaches and counselors and everyone who is invested in preparing our youth for success to join our drive fast forward. We need and value your expertise and insight to serve on an SCTEC Advisory Council; provide internship and work-based learning sites; share professional expertise with our programs; connect programs with like-minded groups and agencies; encourage qualified individuals to apply to our programs; alert the SCTEC to grant and other funding opportunities; or donate equipment and materials.
If you are interested in supporting our effort, that has earned the active support of elected officials at various levels of government, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, I urge you to contact me at (708) 679-5739 or at jthomas@rich227.org.
Together, we will transform The Collective’s ambitious dream into a reality that will meet the ambitious goals our youth set for themselves and that we collectively help facilitate.
Regards,
Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent
Rich Township High School District 227