JJC Named 2026 Bellwether Award Finalist

Joliet Junior College (JJC) has been named a finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Award, a national honor recognizing outstanding and innovative programs at U.S. community colleges.

The Bellwether College Consortium announced JJC as one of 30 finalists selected from 114 submissions representing 91 institutions across 30 states to compete at the 32nd Annual Community College Futures Assembly (CCFA) in San Antonio, in February 2026. JJC is being considered in the Instructional Programs and Services category for its 12x12x12 dual credit initiative.

The 12x12x12 initiative is an equity-driven dual credit model designed to address low college-going rates in Illinois Community College District 525, particularly among underrepresented students. The program aims to ensure that the district's 40,000 high school students graduate with at least 12 college credits - earned at a subsidized rate of $12 per credit hour - by their senior year.

"12x12x12 is about more than just credit hours," said Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president. "It's about building pathways that change lives - fostering a culture in which higher education is seen as both possible and expected, and in which the power of education to transform futures is celebrated across our community."

By reducing barriers related to cost, access and confidence, the initiative positions higher education as an attainable goal for every student in the district, regardless of background.

A Bellwether Finalist represents a community college program that earned one of the highest scores in the first round of the national competition and has been invited to present in the final round. Finalists will deliver formal presentations at the CCFA, where three Bellwether Award winners will be selected.

Other award categories include planning, governance and finance, and workforce development.

The Bellwether College Consortium, sponsored by the Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, is comprised of award-winning colleges committed to addressing critical issues facing community colleges through research and the promotion of best practices.