Kennedy–King College and the Black Midwifery Collective announce the new Midwife program at KKC

This education program, open to all, will help community members become a licensed Midwife in Illinois

CHICAGO- (August 17, 2026) - Kennedy-King College (KKC) and the Black Midwifery Collective (BMC) are proud to announce a new program, the Licensed Certified Professional Midwifery at KKC. The new associate degree program represents a collaborative effort with BMC to confront an urgent public health need.

The Licensed Certified Professional Midwifery program is open to everyone, and the midwifery core classes take approximately six semesters to complete after one semester of prerequisite classes, with the first midwifery core being offered this fall (2026) at KKC.

Maternal health serves as the ultimate litmus test for the overall strength and safety of our country's entire healthcare system. When we successfully address systemic challenges causing preventable maternal crises, it builds a stronger foundation for public health, the economy, and all our communities (source: The Commonwealth Fund).

Designed to enrich the new midwifery program, KKC is transforming a classroom into a simulation lab that includes a birth center room and two exam rooms stocked with new simulation equipment.

"This groundbreaking midwifery program empowers our community to directly address the inequities in Black maternal and infant health across Illinois. By equipping birthing individuals with expanded, culturally responsive care, we are actively fulfilling Kennedy-King Colleges' commitment to transform lives through exceptional education," said President Katonja Webb Walker, Kennedy-King College. "We extend our deepest thanks to the Black Midwifery Collective whose invaluable partnership makes this all possible, and we look forward to welcoming our first class this fall-and making a lasting difference in every community we serve."

"This new program in partnership with Kennedy-King College is a collective celebration of real, tangible, community-based solutions built for ourselves that benefit everyone," said Star August, executive director of the Black Midwifery Collective. "Prioritizing Black maternal health is a critical imperative to dismantle deep-rooted systemic disparities and save lives. When we invest in the well-being of Black mothers, we ultimately strengthen the foundational health, stability, and future of entire communities. BMC stands on the shoulders of generations of Black midwives who are ready to pass that knowledge, leadership, and love to our next generations."

According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), more than 91 percent of maternal deaths among Black women in Illinois were found to be preventable. These statistics underscore the critical need for expanded culturally responsive care, community-based maternal health services, and a more diverse workforce of trained midwives equipped to serve birthing individuals.

Students interested in this opportunity should note that entry into the program is contingent upon the successful completion of 12 prerequisite college credits in:

• English 101
• Math 118
• Biology 121

To earn your license as a midwife in Chicago and Illinois, you must first complete an accredited midwifery program and then apply for a state license through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). For more information about the program at KKC, please call 773-COLLEGE or email [email protected]

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About Black Midwifery Collective

Black Midwifery Collective (BMC) is a nonprofit organization based on the South Side of Chicago and organizing nationwide. Led by Black community-based birth workers and advocates, BMC works to improve health outcomes for Black birthing individuals by actively addressing the maternal and infant health disparities that disproportionately affect our community. The organization aims to revolutionize midwifery models of care by increasing the racial

diversity of community midwives to combat obstetric racism and dismantle institutionalized birth practices.

About Kennedy-King College

As a culturally diverse institution, Kennedy-King College is committed to excellence in education and training, and the development of well-educated, well-rounded students who are prepared for success and leadership.

About City Colleges of Chicago

As the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, City Colleges of Chicago catalyzes our students' capacity to prosper and take part in building a stronger and more just Chicago. For more information visit https://www.ccc.edu or click here; or call 773-COLLEGE (312-265-5343). City Colleges of Chicago is enrolling now for 12 and 8-week classes beginning September 21 and October 19, respectively.

www.ccc.edu or www.ccc.edu/apply

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