About Kennedy-King College
Kennedy-King College embodies the commitment to academic excellence and civic responsibility exemplified by its namesakes, civil and human rights activists Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Kennedy-King College (KKC) embodies the commitment to academic excellence and civic responsibility exemplified by its namesakes, civil and human rights activists Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Originally founded as Woodrow Wilson Junior College in 1934, KKC was established under public pressure during the Great Depression after the city and school board were faced with a budget crisis that forced the closure of Crane Junior College. As one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Kennedy-King College has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting student success, particularly during capricious times.
As a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and growing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), KKC has needs that are unique. Kennedy-King provides robust, holistic student support through programs, services, and social engagement opportunities designed to foster student development as well as promote college and career success.
Kennedy-King College offers a wide variety of associate degrees and certificates that prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate institutions or entry into the workforce. As Centers for Excellence, the Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute (WCHI), Adult Education, and Continuing Education programs, along with our satellite location, Dawson Technical Institute (DTI), collaborate with industry experts to ensure students are workforce ready.
Program Offerings:
Kennedy-King College offers associate degrees, shorter-term certificate programs, free adult education classes, and special interest courses.
- Associate Degree - Take the first two years of a degree program at Kennedy-King College, then transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a four-year degree and save up to $40,000 on your bachelor’s degree. For a list of programs, click here (program finder).
- Career Certificate Programs - Specialized courses are available for students who intend to enter immediate employment or upgrade their professional and technical skills.
- Adult Education - Free literacy, GED test preparation, and ESL (English as a second language) courses. For more info, click here.
- Continuing Education - The programs are designed to provide students with lifelong learning opportunities. For more info, click here.
Dawson Technical Institute, located at 3901 S. State, offers career opportunities in construction technology at companies, such as ComEd, People Gas and through major trade unions representing workers in the field.
Student Resources:
Kennedy-King College students have access to a host of resources to support them on their path to success, including the following centers: wellness, transfer, career planning and placement, veterans, and disability access center. Students can also take part in an active student life that includes athletic teams and numerous clubs and organizations.
Class Profile:The majority of full-time students are recent high school graduates; however, many adults also attend classes. The average student age is 31 years old. Classes consist of roughly 25 students.
Location: Kennedy-King College is an urban campus located at the "gateway" to Chicago’s burgeoning Englewood community.
The campus is accessible via public transportation:
- CTA Bus lines: Halsted Street (north/south) and 63rd street (east/west) buses
- L-Trains: The CTA Green Line train to Ashland stops in the heart of the campus at Halsted Street and the Red Line is two bus stops east of the campus.
Affiliated Locations:
City Colleges of Chicago properties housed and operated through Kennedy-King College:
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