Introduction to Southland Career & Technical Education Center
Southland Career & Technical Education Center Rendering via YouTube Screenshot
In a bold move to expand educational and workforce opportunities across the south suburbs, six superintendents and educational leaders representing school districts and colleges in southern Cook County will formally present the Southland Career & Technical Education Center (SCTEC)—a transformative regional initiative repurposing the former Rich East High School site in Park Forest, Illinois.
The Unveiling Event
The event will bring together over 300 stakeholders, including Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill, Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan, Attorney Vincent Williams, municipal mayors, community leaders, and regional business partners to unveil full architectural, curricular, and strategic plans for the SCTEC.
This groundbreaking initiative is being developed through a collaborative partnership between:
· Dr. Lenell Navarre, Superintendent, Bloom Township High School District 206
· Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233
· Dr. Michael Anthony, President, Prairie State College
· Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent, Rich Township High School District 227
· Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO/Superintendent, Southland College Prep Charter High School
· Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent, S.E.J.A. District 802
Career and Technical Education Programming
Together, these leaders are working to establish a future-focused regional center dedicated to providing career and technical education (CTE) programming for both high school and post-secondary learners. With a projected opening in 2028, the SCTEC will offer in-demand pathways in the following areas:
· Aviation
· Construction Trades
· Information Technology
· Logistics & Supply Chain Management
· Manufacturing
· Public Safety
· Urban Agriculture
Planning and Vision
The announcement reflects the culmination of extensive planning that integrated educational visioning, labor market data, and regional workforce needs. The SCTEC aims to become a premier hub for career readiness, creating seamless transitions from high school to college and into high-demand careers.
Originally closed in 2019 during a district-wide consolidation process, the former Rich East High School site at 300 Sauk Trail, Park Forest, is now poised to rise again—as a center of innovation, opportunity, and economic empowerment for the Southland region.
Conclusion
The Southland Career & Technical Education Center is a significant step towards providing students and learners in the south suburbs with the skills and training needed to succeed in in-demand careers. By offering a range of career and technical education pathways, the SCTEC will help to address workforce needs in the region and drive economic growth.
FAQs
Q: What is the Southland Career & Technical Education Center?
A: The Southland Career & Technical Education Center (SCTEC) is a regional initiative that will provide career and technical education programming for high school and post-secondary learners in the south suburbs.
Q: Where will the SCTEC be located?
A: The SCTEC will be located at the former Rich East High School site in Park Forest, Illinois.
Q: What career pathways will be offered at the SCTEC?
A: The SCTEC will offer in-demand pathways in areas such as Aviation, Construction Trades, Information Technology, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Urban Agriculture.
Q: When is the projected opening of the SCTEC?
A: The SCTEC is projected to open in 2028.
