Will County Speaker Praises JJC for ‘Heroes’ Scholarship Success

Joliet Junior College Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025

Article Summary: Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne addressed the Joliet Junior College Board, commending the institution for its efficient handling of the “Will County Heroes” scholarship program. The initiative utilized federal ARPA funds to support over 900 local nursing and teaching students.

Heroes Scholarship Key Points:

• Program Impact: JJC served 928 students using $2.5 million in federal funds allocated by Will County.

• Targeted Fields: The scholarships offered $2,500 per semester to students pursuing teaching certificates or nursing degrees to address local shortages.

• Efficiency: JJC was the first of four participating higher education institutions to fully expend its allocated funds.

• Pipeline Partnership: JJC established agreements with Lewis University, University of St. Francis, and Governors State University to help students transfer and finish degrees locally.

Will County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne visited Joliet Junior College on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to highlight the success of a multi-million dollar scholarship program designed to bolster the local workforce.

In 2023, Will County allocated $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to create the “Will County Heroes” scholarship. The funds were divided among JJC, Lewis University, the University of St. Francis, and Governors State University, with the specific goal of addressing critical shortages in nursing and education.

VanDuyne told the board that JJC has been a standout performer in the program.

“Since launching, over 1,300 students had received scholarships. And to emphasize the leading role of JJC, 928 of those students came from here,” VanDuyne said. “You were the first institution to spend all of your $2.5 million in scholarships.”

VanDuyne credited the college’s leadership, specifically Dr. Stephanie McIntyre-Braun, Dean of Academic Intervention, for not only managing the funds but creating a pipeline for students to continue their education at four-year universities.

Because Governor’s State University was unable to expend all its allocated resources, a partnership was formed to allow JJC to utilize those remaining funds to support more local students.

“Whether it was the single mom who called the program a lifesaver or the nursing student who said it changed her life… These are the real success stories,” VanDuyne said.