Antione Edwards tells the Joliet Job Corps Center students about life at Joliet Junior College.

With the help of Antione Edwards of Joliet Junior College, Joliet Job Corps Center students learned more this week about the transition to college life.

Mr. Edwards is an Illinois State alum and a longtime friend of the Center. He is the Outreach and Retention Specialist at Joliet Junior College and is truly passionate about assisting young people as they pursue higher education.

The presentation began with Mr. Edwards asking who was interested in attending college. Then he outlined the process of making that dream a reality.

He discussed the first steps of the application process, ways to navigate he murky waters of financial aid, the process of meeting with advisors to select courses and the support services offered at the college.

Mr. Edwards then explained the advantages of using the ACT Program at Joliet Job Corps Center.

The program allows students to reside at the Center while attending classes full time at the college. Students can continue their education while living in a familiar setting and using the Center’s resources.

Mr. Edwards stressed that taking the first step and starting college is admirable, but the real reward comes from completing a degree. It’s important to commit to complete, he said.