Agencies
Services
Career & Technical Education
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice seeks the goals of reducing the harm of incarceration on youth and working toward better outcomes for youth. Providing opportunities to youth for career & technical education (CTE) trainings and certifications and higher education opportunities is a key element of meeting the goals of the Transformation. The CTE programs and opportunities for IDJJ youth will accomplish our mission of building youth skills, strengthening families, promoting safe communities, and achieving positive youth outcomes.
CAREER EXPLORATION
All IYC locations offer the Career Exploration course. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Career Exploration and careers that may be the best fit for them. Also, student will be applying this knowledge towards finding an apprenticeship, job shadow opportunities and other introductory job skills.
IYC St. Charles
CUSTODIAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE - LAKE LAND COLLEGE
The Custodial Technician program is designed to provide students with hands-on skills in the area of maintenance. Students will learn to shampoo carpets, strip, scrub and wax floors, wash walls and windows, write a resume and procedures to start a small custodial business.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HORTICULTURE CERTIFICATE
The Fundamentals of Horticulture certificate is designed for participants to receive entry level training that prepares them to confidently enter the growing Horticulture industry. This certificate teaches practical skills and industry standards for landscapers, nursery workers, and greenhouse operators.
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES I & II - LAKE LAND COLLEGE
Construction Occupations Certificate I
The Construction Occupations I certificate is designed for participants to develop competencies needed for entry level employment in construction or building maintenance fields, or as preparation for continuing education in construction technology.
Construction Occupations Certificate II
The Construction Occupations II certificate allows students who have completed the Construction Occupations I Certificate to advance their knowledge and skills by gaining knowledge in the area of plumbing, masonry, residential wiring, and green building practices.
LARRY'S BARBER COLLEGE (COMING SOON)
DJJ partners with Larry's Barber College to provide on site training for cosmetology and barber licensing. Youth can get fully trained with all required clinical hours and even sit for their licensing exam at the facility.
CARPENTRY - VICTORY XR
The Victory XR partner allows youth to obtain certification in carptentry. DJJ youth are able to do this through its virtual reality training platform. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT - SIM LOG
Sim Log provides training and certifications in operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators. SimLog uses simulator based training and offers a lot of flexibility to utilize the program at DJJ facilities.
DRIVERS EDUCATION - NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL
IDJJ is partnering with Nova Driving School to provide online driver's education courses to eligible youth at all facilities. IDJJ has completed the contract with Nova and is in the process of identifying youth who will participate in the first course offering this fall.
MANUFACTURING - TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
A new partnership with Technology & Manufacturing Association that began in July of 2023 allows youth to receive online education in manufacturing. Youth who complete the program can earn a certificate as a Certified Manufacturing Associate.
MEDICAL - VICTORY XR
Victory XR also provides training to receive nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant certifications. Because Victory XR is virtual/online training, eligible youth at all IDJJ youth centers will soon have access to this opportunity.
IDJJ has secured a partnership with Pointful Education, which offers online CTE courses and certification preparation in career fields not previously offered by IDJJ. Courses include A/V Technician, Communication, Business Management & Administration, Project Management, and IT/Application Development.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
IDJJ's CTE educators have recently developed a twelve week personal finance course that is tailored to the needs of youth at IDJJ. A vast array of topics are covered, including checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, online deposits, certificates of deposit, special accounts, overdraft fees, and minimum balances. The course also covers topics related to credit cards, credit scores, and budgeting.
IYC Harrisburg
FUNDAMENTALS OF HORTICULTURE CERTIFICATE
The Fundamentals of Horticulture Certificate is designed for participants to receive entry level training that prepares them to confidently enter the growing Horticulture industry. This certificate teaches practical skills and industry standards for landscapers, nursery workers, and greenhouse operators.
HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE
The Horticulture Production Certificate is designed for participants who have completed the Fundamentals of Horticulture Certificate. Emphasis is placed on production skills in ornamental, food crops, and landscaping required for a horticulture professional to advance in the field.
CULINARY ARTS I CERTIFICATE
The Culinary Arts I Certificate is designed for participants to received entry level training that prepares them to confidently enter the growing food industry. This certificate teaches practical skills and industry standards for food prep workers, cooks and servers.
CULINARY ARTS II CERTIFICATE
The Culinary Arts II Certificate is designed for participants who have completed Culinary Arts I Certificate. Emphasis is placed on technical skills in cooking and baking required for a culinary professional to advance in the field.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE I
This course includes learning experiences and skills in servicing building systems, repair and maintenance of machinery, maintaining plumbing systems, minor electrical repairs, essential heating ventilation and air conditioning system maintenance, painting, and basic carpentry. These experiences provide students the opportunity to become knowledgeable in a variety of practices and skills associated with all trades that are necessary to maintain a building’s daily operations that are repair related. The Building Maintenance I course provides instruction and hands-on activities including the use of test equipment and tools, hand tools, basic electricity, carpentry and masonry skills.
HEAVY EQUITMENT - SIM LOG
Sim Log provides training and certifications in operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, and excavators. SimLog uses simulator based training and offers a lot of flexibility to utilize the program at DJJ facilities.
CARPENTRY - VICTORY XR
Victory XR offers a carpentry certification to DJJ youth through its virtual reality training platform. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment.
SOLAR ELECTRIC INSTALLATION - D&D ELECTRIC
Youth can now be certified in solar electric installation through a new partnership with D&D Electric, LLC in Harrisburg. D&D works in industrial, commercial, and residential installation.
DRIVERS EDUCATION - NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL
IDJJ is partnering with Nova Driving School to provide online driver's education courses to eligible youth at all facilities. IDJJ has completed the contract with Nova and is in the process of identifying youth who will participate in the first course offering this fall.
MANUFACTURING - TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
A new partnership with Technology & Manufacturing Association that began in July of 2023 allows youth to receive online education in manufacturing. Youth who complete the program can earn a certificate as a Certified Manufacturing Associate.
MEDICAL - VICTORY XR
Victory XR provides training to receive nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant certifications. Because Victory XR is virtual/online training, eligible youth at all IDJJ youth centers will soon have access to this opportunity.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
IDJJ's CTE educators have recently developed a twelve week personal finance course that is tailored to the needs of youth at IDJJ. A vast array of topics are covered, including checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards, online deposits, certificates of deposit, special accounts, overdraft fees, and minimum balances. The course also covers topics related to credit cards, credit scores, and budgeting.
IYC WARRENVILLE
BARBER/COSMETOLOGY - LARRY'S BARBER COLLEGE
DJJ partners with Larry's Barber College to provide on site training for cosmetology and barber licensing. Youth can get fully trained with all required clinical hours and even sit for their licensing exam at the facility.
CARPENTRY - VICTORY XR
Victory XR offers a carpentry certification to DJJ youth through its virtual reality training platform. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment.
CONSTRUCTION - POINTFUL
IDJJ has secured a partnership with Pointful Education, which offers online CTE courses and certification preparation in career fields not previously offered by IDJJ. Youth at IYC Warrenville will be able to take courses on construction through this program.
DRONE OPERATION - VICTORY XR/POINTFUL
IDJJ has partnered with Pointful Education and Victory XR to offer online CTE courses. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment. Both of these programs offer courses in multiple areas including drone operation.
DRIVERS EDUCATION - NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL
IDJJ is partnering with Nova Driving School to provide online driver's education courses to eligible youth at all facilities. IDJJ has completed the contract with Nova and is in the process of identifying youth who will participate in the first course offering this fall.
MEDICAL - VICTORY XR
In addition to offering carpentry certifications for IDJJ youth, Victory XR also provides training to receive nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant certifications. Because Victory XR is virtual/online training, eligible youth at all IDJJ youth centers will soon have access to this opportunity.
ROBOTICS - VICTORY XR
The Victory XR partnership also allows youth to take CTE online courses on robotics. Like other courses they will be doing these courses in an online format to receive certification.
IYC CHICAGO
BARBER/COSMETOLOGY - LARRY'S BARBER COLLEGE
DJJ partners with Larry's Barber College to provide on site training for cosmetology and barber licensing. Youth can get fully trained with all required clinical hours and even sit for their licensing exam at the facility.
CARPENTRY - VICTORY XR
Victory XR offers a carpentry certification to DJJ youth through its virtual reality training platform. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment.
CONSTRUCTION - POINTFUL
IDJJ has secured a partnership with Pointful Education, which offers online CTE courses and certification preparation in career fields not previously offered by IDJJ. Youth at IYC Chicago will be able to take courses on construction through this program.
CULINARY/HOSPITALITY - CURT'S CAFE
A pilot program with Curt's Café is in the early stages for students at IYC Chicago. The mission of Curt's Café is to improve outcomes for young adults living in at-risk situations through work and life skills training. Youth practice culinary techniques but also receive instruction they will need to fill in educational gaps, gain confidence, and become job-ready. Some teaching is done on café lines, some is done in a classroom setting, and some by individual mentors.
DRONE OPERATION - POINTFUL/VICTORY XR
IDJJ has partnered with Pointful Education and Victory XR to offer online CTE courses. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment. Both of these programs offer courses in multiple areas including drone operation.
DRIVERS EDUCATION - NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL
IDJJ is partnering with Nova Driving School to provide online driver's education courses to eligible youth at all facilities. IDJJ has completed the contract with Nova and is in the process of identifying youth who will participate in the first course offering this fall.
MEDICAL - VICTORY XR
In addition to offering carpentry certifications for IDJJ youth, Victory XR also provides training to receive nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant certifications. Because Victory XR is virtual/online training, eligible youth at all IDJJ youth centers will soon have access to this opportunity.
ROBOTICS - VICTORY XR
The Victory XR partnership also allows youth to take CTE online courses on robotics. Like other courses they will be doing these courses in an online format to receive certification.
SHIPPING & RECEIVING - GREATER WEST TOWN PROJECT
IDJJ's brand new partnership with Greater West Town Project's twelve-week shipping and receiving program prepares trainees with a broad base of skills needed to be highly-qualified for entry-level employment in positions such as a shipping & receiving clerk, forklift operator, warehouse associate, material handler, traffic agent, stocker, order picker, or dock worker. Program graduates also receive an OSHA certification and assistance with job placement.
IYC PERE MARQUETTE
CARPENTRY/CONSTRUCTION - VICTORY XR
Victory XR offers a carpentry and construction certification to DJJ youth through its virtual reality training platform. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment.
DRONE OPERATION - VICTORY XR/POINTFUL
IDJJ has partnered with Pointful Education and Victory XR to offer online CTE courses. Victory XR is on the cutting edge of immersive classrooms and campuses through virtual reality. Students interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment. Both of these programs offer courses in multiple areas including drone operation.
DRIVERS EDUCATION - NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL
IDJJ is partnering with Nova Driving School to provide online driver's education courses to eligible youth at all facilities. IDJJ has completed the contract with Nova and is in the process of identifying youth who will participate in the first course offering this fall.
MEDICAL - VICTORY XR
Victory XR also provides training to receive nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant certifications. Because Victory XR is virtual/online training, eligible youth at all IDJJ youth centers will soon have access to this opportunity.
ROBOTICS - VICTORY XR
The Victory XR partnership also allows youth to take CTE online courses on robotics. Like other courses they will be doing these courses in an online format to receive certification.
WELDING - YOUTHBUILD
Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois collaborates with YouthBuild Illinois to offer a variety of construction related courses and certifications to youth at DJJ's Pere Marquette youth center. YouthBuild offers Carpentry, Solar Installation, and Welding certifications, as well as leadership training, career development, and community service opportunities.