You have many opportunities ahead of you, and Harper College is a great place to start. Through the Paths to College and Career program, you can think about your future in a new way, explore career fields, and take advantage of intensive training. Most training programs are FREE to you if you qualify, and additional scholarships are available when you are ready to take the next step.
Click on the plus (+) icons below to learn more about the support services and courses available:
UPDATED ON 04/23/2024: Summer Schedules Available!
The Guided Basic Skills Tutoring Lab is a free individualized, self-paced basic skills tutoring using educational software. A teacher is available to help you get started and provide additional support.
Soon, Paths to College and Career participants will be eligible for financial assistance toward:
If you never took an accounting course and do not have accounting/bookkeeping experience, take this course. Learn the financial concepts and accounting processes used in most businesses. Focus on practical techniques that will increase your effectiveness and career, such as understanding the seven steps in the accounting cycle and using financial information in decision making.
Learn the fundamentals of payroll accounting including the preparation of payroll records and tax returns for old age benefits and employment insurance. Learn to construct a Quarterly Federal Tax Return, Employer’s Annual Unemployment Tax Return, and Illinois Employer’s Contribution Report. Upon request this course can be converted to college credit for course ACC155 and partially fulfills the requirement to earn the Accounting Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate for college credit. Prior accounting course or experience required.
Whether you’re a business owner or someone who needs to know how to use QuickBooks in your employer's company or organization, this course will deliver the skills you need to perform. Learn how set up, backup and store company files; create custom reports and graphs; prepare budgets and payroll; and track changes in your financial accounts. Students should have knowledge of accounting and have taken LBS 8010, Intro to Accounting, or have approval from the College. Upon request, this course can be converted to College credit. This blended course combines online and campus instruction.
Explore the capabilities of Microsoft Teams, an integral component of Microsoft 365 designed for seamless collaboration. This course will show you how to effortlessly connect, collaborate, and enhance productivity, which are vital skills in today's remote and hybrid work settings. You will engage in practical, hands-on exercises guided by an industry expert with real-world experience to master the basics of Teams.
Learn about Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Students will meet with an experienced instructor and then complete projects incorporating the learned software programs.
Become an expert in data manipulation using Excel spreadsheets. Organizations rely on information to make sound business decisions. The amount of available data growing on a daily basis, there is an urgent need to make sense of all of that data. Learn how to organize, calculate, analyze, revise, update, and present your data in ways that will help the decision makers in your organization steer you in the right direction.This course provides a foundation for Excel knowledge and skills. PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Microsoft Windows or equivalent experience. MUST ALSO TAKE MICROSOFT EXCEL PIVOTTABLES TO EARN THE DIGITAL BADGE
Summarize and organize raw data in a way that can be meaningfully presented to others. Gain a solid understanding of Pivot Tables to maximize effectiveness when analyzing data. Use Power Pivot along with Excel to analyze data from a variety of sources. To ensure success in this course, you should have experience working with Excel and PivotTables, understand spreadsheet concepts, and be comfortable creating basic PivotTables.
Introduction to PowerPoint (CE - LCT0015) : 07/30 - 08/01/24 (Tuesday and Thursday), 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Prospect Heights
and
Intermediate PowerPoint (CE - LCT0031): 08/05 - 08/07/24 (Mondays and Wednesdays), 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Prospect Heights
In this course, you'll gain the skills to efficiently utilize essential presentation techniques in PowerPoint. Discover how to create compelling presentations, edit text, format paragraphs, work with graphic images, and prepare for presentation delivery. This course covers both the desktop and Microsoft 365 versions, including PowerPoint for the web and OneDrive skills. PREREQUISITE: Using Windows 11 or equivalent experience.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to advance your career through the power of basic business math. This interactive class covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, simple equations, and percentage formulas with examples of commissions, markups and markdowns, discounts, sales tax, simple and compound interest, and installment loans. Practice with bar, line and circle graphs, and follow with just a touch of statistics: averages, medians, modes, and more.
Real-world scenarios and group discussions make this class enjoyable and meaningful. Boost your confidence and pave the way for new opportunities!
Enhance your communication skills to interact more effectively with superiors, colleagues, team members, customers, and vendors. Effective communication improves overall job performance and success at the workplace. Learn how to engage in productive meetings, communicate through conflict, and interact appropriately with your peers.
Elevate your communication skills for your professional life and step into a world where your words leave a lasting impression. You will review the rules of grammar, identify common errors, and learn to streamline your ideas and messages. You will practice creating presentations and reports using proper grammar and a polished writing style. Whether you are a native or non-native English speaker, if you're interested in enhancing your grammar skills for more effective communication in formal and informal business settings, this class is for you.
Gives students a well-rounded view of some of the professional skills needed in today’s workforce. Covers topics to help students learn how to communicate well and manage time. Reviews the principles of equity and inclusion and how to collaborate with others with different points of view. Teaches students about leveraging technology, solving problems and the principles and practices of strategic innovation.
Introduces the use of computer, digital and information literacy skills in the workplace. Focuses on familiarizing learners with very basic keyboarding functions and word processing. Covers components of the Web and accessing a website using a browser. Develops critical thinking skills through evaluating online sources of information, comparing styles of communication as well as group problem-solving and discussion. Includes topics such as work readiness skills, workplace communication, the job search and interview process and career preparation.
Focuses on familiarizing learners with very basic keyboarding functions and word processing. Introduces components of the Web and accessing a website using a browser such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. Develops critical thinking skills by evaluating online sources of information, comparing styles of communication and group problem-solving and discussion. Includes work readiness skills, workplace communication, job search and interview process and workforce/career preparation
Provides instruction to students to meet the 36-hour IDPH requirement for activity directors, activity aides/assistants, and others involved with long-term care residents. Instructs participants on how to develop unique programming to meet the recreational needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, intellectual disabilities, and serious mental illness
Whether you want to be prepared for an emergency or need a course completion card for work, regulatory (e.g. OSHA), or other requirements, the American Heart Association's Heartsaver® course is designed for you. You will learn critical skills needed to respond to emergencies until emergency medical services arrive. Using AHA’s research-proven instructional techniques, you will be observed by your instructor and receive feedback to help you along the way. This interactive course includes videos and live instruction to demonstrate the critical skills needed to respond to and manage an emergency situation.
Prepare for the National League of Nursing (NLN) pre-entrance exam (PAX) in this review course. The NLN PAX exam is required for students seeking admission to many Health Career programs across the state of Illinois. This exam prep course is taught by content experts from Sylvan Learning Centers who will review the verbal, math, and science sections of the exam, as well as provide support with test taking strategies.
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS®) measures basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, math, science, English and language usage. The test is intended for use primarily with adult health science program applicants to measure entry-level academic readiness of health science program applicants. Content experts from Sylvan Learning Centers will review each area of the test and provide test-taking strategies to improve your score.
The TEAS® test is used for admissions to Harper College in the Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing Certificate, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiologic Technology programs. Program admission requirements are subject to change.
Gain a general awareness of AI and approaches to equip the future workforce with technical confidence to learn and apply AI Skills independently. Learn about emerging technologies and what AI Skills are needed for employment in a digital economy. Learn how AI is inclusive, impacts daily life and the identify SMART components. AI applications, development, challenges and internal workings will also be covered.
Explores common trade applications of Artificial Intelligence, including novice, intermediate, and advanced levels. Utilizes linear regression for predictive maintenance and employee attrition predictions. Covers how to detect insurance fraud and analyze quality assurance systems. Prerequisite: Artificial Intelligence I (LEM8002)
Covers the creation of basic 2D drawings using drawing and editing tools, organization of drawing objects on layers, addition of text and basic dimensions, preparation for plotting and more sophisticated techniques for drawing setup and productivity. Designed for new users of AutoCAD software.
Teaches how to implement and manage the operational aspects of cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions built on Microsoft Azure data services and Microsoft SQL Server. Explores how to use a variety of methods and tools to perform day-to-day operations, including applying knowledge of using T-SQL for administrative management purposes. Prepares for Microsoft certification exam DP-300. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system and its core functionality; working knowledge of relational databases.
Learns how to build cloud sysadmin (systems administrator) skill set to confidently perform duties in any cloud administrator role. Explores upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, such as servers. Prepares students to sit for the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam. Must have completed A+ or related experience.
Introduces standard networking terms, concepts and devices. Focuses on the selection, connection, configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco switches and routers as they are commonly used in small- to medium-sized networks. Helps students prepare for theCCNAA certification exams. Must have CompTIAA A+ training or equivalent experience prior to enrollment.
Prepare for a career as an information technology (IT) professional or personal computer (PC) technician. Learn how to install, upgrade, repair, configure, troubleshoot, optimize, and perform preventive maintenance of personal computer hardware and operating systems. This course helps prepare you for theCompTIAA A+ certification examinations in order to become aCompTIAA A+ Certified Professional. Prerequisites: Be able to browse and search the Internet, operate a personal computer, and work with operating systems such as Microsoft Windows.
Covers the duties of those who are responsible for monitoring and detecting security incidents in information systems and networks, and for executing a proper response to such incidents. Introduces tools and tactics to manage cybersecurity risks, while promoting a comprehensive approach to security on the front lines of defense. Learn how to identify various types of common threats, evaluate an organization's security, collect and analyze cybersecurity intelligence, and handle incidents as they occur. This course prepares students for theCompTIAA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (Exam CS0-001) and fulfillsDoDD directive 8570.01 for information assurance (IA) training. Prerequisites:CompTIAA Network+ or equivalent knowledge required.CompTIAA Security+ recommended.
Explores how to be part of new technologies that will shape how we live and work. Provides an understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data, internet of things IoTT), augmented reality, virtual reality,blockchainn, digital privacy, and more. Designed to help students discover their tech path, from a basic understanding of emerging technology or to pursue a career or advanced training in this field.
Covers essential skills in data analytics and lays the groundwork for exploring and implementing advanced big data technologies. Delves into potential career trajectories and explores the existing education and certification pathways available in the field of data analytics.
If you are considering a career in Information Technology (IT), or want to gain a solid understanding of IT to help with your professional career, this course will provide you with the foundational knowledge on personal computers and Information Technology concepts. Explore which devices, operating systems and computer applications are commonly used at the workplace. Focus will also be applied to more advanced IT topics such as Networking, Databases and Security Concepts.
Establish knowledge to become sufficient as a beginner Python programmer. Identify the benefits and usefulness of Python including excellent readability and uncluttered simple-to-learn syntax which helps beginners to utilize this programming language. Basic computer experience is required.
Provides students with a hands-on introduction to information technology and computer support concepts. Includes hardware, operating systems, applications, networking, Internet connectivity and services, security, software development, and database fundamentals.
Understands how the growth of smart devices and the huge data they generate, along with the significant increase in the ability of computers to digest and learn from data, has led to Predictive Analytics becoming a critical area of focus for most businesses. Explores the three dimensions of Predictive Analytics. Studies technology (databases, query languages, R language, architectures) and statistical techniques of Big Data Analytics. Learns the statistical techniques underpinning Predictive Analytics, such as regression and correlation. Applies Predictive Analytics to a real-life domain situation.
Teaches experienced project managers, who desire to increase their project management skills, how to apply a standards-based approach to project management. Offers a job-related approach to successful project management across application areas and industries. Prepares students for the Project Management Institute, Inc. Project Management Professional Certification. Recommended preparation: Project management experience.
Familiarize with the basic features and functions of Microsoft Project. Covers the critical knowledge and skills a project manager needs to create a project plan with in Microsoft Project during the planning phase of a project. This course will enable you to draft a project plan with Microsoft Project and fill in and organize the details to achieve your goals. Learn to build a new project, track progress and analyze costs. Explore methods of fine tuning and troubleshooting your project plan for best results. PREREQUISITE: Some experience and competency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel®, will be useful. Finally, having a foundational knowledge of project management concepts will help prepare you for working with Microsoft Project.
Demonstrates how tools connect to and transform massive amounts of data into visualizations, dashboards and interactive worksheets. Learns how to identify and configure basic functions of Tableau. Creates views and customize data visualizations. Creates maps, dashboards, and stories. This course is intended for individuals using desktop or web-based data management tools to perform numerical data analysis. Recommended Preparation: experience using Excel and an understanding of database design concepts.
Explores the basics of web design and web development skills including HTML,CSSS,JavaScriptt, andjQueryy. Demonstrates how they are used together on a website. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computers Using Windows or equivalent experience
This course introduces the foundational skills needed to create web pages utilizing HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets CSSS), and an overview of theJavaScriptt language. Topics include web design best practices, web site hosting, internet protocols, graphics, media and security. Student will create a business-oriented web site as a class project.
Funding for tuition is available through a partnership with Pace. Inquire at CPE@harpercollege.edu. Join us for a Pace Hiring Event on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6-9pm, at the Palatine Campus, Building H, Room 248.
06/03 - 06/13/24 (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 9:00AM to 3:00PM, Palatine
07/29 - 08/08/24 (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 9:00AM to 3:00PM, Palatine
Provides students with the tools and resources needed to sit for the General Knowledge, Passenger and Air Brakes written examinations as administered by the Illinois Secretary of State, Commercial Driver’s License Division. Helps students gain a thorough understanding of the current laws, rules, and regulations that govern the operation of a Class B Commercial Motor Vehicle. Requires that students complete a pre-test to determine their mastery of instructions provided and their preparedness for State exams, which is required prior to sitting for the written examination.
Reviews the many aspects of handling trade internationally and discovers the basics of what trade is and how companies utilize it. Discusses the particulars of processes, legality, and oversight for import procedures. Gains the skills and knowledge about how the entire company contributes to the international trade process. Learns about export regulations and 19 Code of Federal Regulations requirements.
This badge seriesconsistess of three courses:
Additional Warehouse Safety courses are available at https://harpercollege.edu/safety/index.php. To learn more about these courses email safetytraining@harpercollege.edu or call 847-925-6023.
Learn OSHA’s best practices for reducing accidents and injuries at the workplace. Explore major hazards encountered in general industry and solutions for recognizing, controlling, and applying protections against them. Gain an understanding on employer responsibilities, filing complaints and OSHA rights for workers. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an OSHA 10-hour general industry card.
Managers and Supervisors continuously seek to create a safe workplace. Explore the policies, procedures, and standards covered by OSHA 29CFRR 1910. Learn the core elements of a workplace safety and health program. Understand employer responsibilities for worker safety and worker rights. Safety protocols such as lockouttagoutt, machined guarding mechanisms and industrial hygiene will be covered. Hazards encountered in multiple industries such as scaffolding and bloodborne pathogens will also be highlighted upon. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an OSHA 30-hour general industry card.
Learn OSHA’s best practices for reducing accidents and injuries at the workplace. Explore major hazards encountered in general industry and solutions for recognizing, controlling, and applying protections against them. Gain an understanding on employer responsibilities, filing complaints and OSHA rights for workers. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an OSHA 10-hour construction industry card.
Managers and Supervisors continuously seek to create a safe workplace. Explore the policies, procedures, and standards covered by OSHA 29CFRR 1910. Learn the core elements of a workplace safety and health program. Understand employer responsibilities for worker safety and worker rights. Safety protocols such as lockouttagoutt, machined guarding mechanisms and industrial hygiene will be covered. Hazards encountered in multiple industries such as scaffolding and blood-borne pathogens will also be highlighted upon. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an OSHA 30-hour construction industry card.
In this course, you will learn how to effectively implement a comprehensive safety and health management system. You will learn how to address key injury and illness prevention elements and those central issues that are critical to each element's proper management. The course structure includes interactive training and class discussion. Upon completion, you will have a better understanding and working knowledge necessary to implement successful and effective health and safety practices for your company.
The Paths to College and Careers Program at paths@harpercollege.edu or 847.925.6000, Extension 2287
Information and offerings are subject to change. This program is made possible by the Illinois Community College Board's Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant.
