JJC Celebrates “Future Wolves” Partnerships with Joliet and Troy School Districts

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | October 15, 2025

Article Summary
Joliet Junior College celebrated its “Future Wolves” initiative by issuing proclamations honoring its inaugural partnerships with Joliet Public School District 86 and Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C. The program provides elementary and middle school students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities on the JJC campus to foster early interest in college and careers.

Future Wolves Initiative Key Points:

• The JJC Board of Trustees issued proclamations for partnerships with Joliet District 86 and Troy District 30-C.

• The “Future Wolves” program brings younger students to the JJC campus for hands-on learning in STEM, arts, and career exploration.

• Activities have included rocket building, maker lab design, and exploring the college’s automotive shop.

• Participating school districts rotate every two years to allow more communities to join the initiative.

JOLIET, Il. – The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees formally recognized two local school districts for their collaboration in the “Future Wolves” initiative, a program designed to introduce younger students to the possibilities of higher education.

During its October 15 meeting, the board approved proclamations celebrating the partnerships with Joliet Public School District 86 and Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C. These districts were the inaugural partners in the program, which brings elementary and middle school students to the JJC campus for immersive, hands-on activities.

“The Future Wolves initiative represents a bold and inclusive collaboration… designed to introduce elementary students to experiential learning, design thinking, and the possibilities of higher education,” read Dr. Escortina Ervin as she presented the proclamations.

The program connects classroom learning to real-world applications through projects in science, engineering, fine arts, and career exploration. Activities have included building rockets, engaging in maker lab design challenges, and touring JJC’s technical education facilities.

President Dr. Clyne Namuo explained that participating districts rotate every two years to expand the program’s reach. Next year, Fairmont and Minooka school districts will participate for a second time, joined by two new partner districts.