Further Information

A Letter From The Principal

The responsibility of educating the youth of America has always been a daunting task. Schools have had to adapt as the nation's economic base shifted - from agriculture to industry to technology. Today, this task has become more complex in light of the new global economy - one shaped not just by markets, but by diverse cultures and shifting political dynamics.

Nearly 30 years ago when the Technology Center of DuPage opened, the Center's mission was to provide young men and women with job training to enter the workplace directly out of high school. Over the past 30 years, no one can deny that the world and the workplace have changed.

Today, students need to graduate from high school, technical school or college with more than job skills. They need to have the ability to communicate, problem solve, adapt to change, and, most importantly, continue to learn new skills throughout their working life. We are preparing students for careers that will rapidly evolve or diversify into opportunities that are currently just blips on the radar screen. Years ago, whoever heard of a web master or a biomedical technician?

If we have learned anything in recent years, it is that job security is not a given. In this much smaller world, forces outside our borders have the power to impact our economy in new ways. We have seen jobs disappear almost overnight, and a desperate need for completely different ones rise up in their places. Will our students be prepared for this type of rapid change?

This is the environment facing tomorrow's graduates. Our students need the whole package if they are to tackle this new world with hope and confidence. Communicating, collaborating, and critical thinking skills are no longer nice to haves, but critical skills. It can mean the difference between going with the flow and having some say about the direction in which the flow goes!

Over the past few years, we have broadened TCD's skill-building approach by cataloging and strengthening the wealth of skills already inherent in our programs: occupational skills, employability skills, career awareness/development, and academics (reading, mathematics, science, and communication). By credentialing students in these skill sets, both TCD and the student can identify strengths and areas of potential which will provide students with the information needed to plan for their future.

This is, after all, our mission: to develop skills, build self-esteem, and challenge potential for future success. To parents and member schools: Thank you for sending your students our way. It's a privilege to witness their growing confidence and sense of purpose as they meet their goals. To future students: get ready!

Together we'll connect your education with the real world.

Edward A. Susmilch, Principal

Technology Center of DuPage

Customize Your Curriculum

Internet access brings the world to your keyboard, letting you collaborate with other schools on research projects, find new learning resources, and access the world's largest storehouse of career-related information.

TCD instructors will also guide you on how to prepare an effective resume, conduct a focused job search, and grow and advance in your career.

A Letter From The Principal
Parents and Students:
The responsibility of educating the youth of America has always been a daunting task. Schools have had to adapt as the nation's economic base shifted - from agriculture to industry to technology. Today, this task has become more complex in light of the new global economy - one shaped not just by markets, but by diverse cultures and shifting political dynamics. Nearly 30 years ago when the Technology Center of DuPage opened, the Center's mission was to provide young men and women with job training to enter the workplace directly out of high school. Over the past 30 years, no one can deny that the world and the workplace have changed. Today, students need to graduate from high school, technical school or college with more than job skills. They need to have the ability to communicate, problem solve, adapt to change, and, most importantly, continue to learn new skills throughout their working life. We are preparing students for careers that will rapidly evolve or diversify into opportunities that are currently just blips on the radar screen. Years ago, whoever heard of a web master or a biomedical technician? If we have learned anything in recent years, it is that job security is not a given. In this much smaller world, forces outside our borders have the power to impact our economy in new ways. We have seen jobs disappear almost overnight, and a desperate need for completely different ones rise up in their places. Will our students be prepared for this type of rapid change?			This is the environment facing tomorrow's graduates. Our students need the whole package if they are to tackle this new world with hope and confidence. Communicating, collaborating, and critical thinking skills are no longer nice to haves, but critical skills. It can mean the difference between going with the flow and having some say about the direction in which the flow goes! Over the past few years, we have broadened TCD's skill-building approach by cataloging and strengthening the wealth of skills already inherent in our programs: occupational skills, employability skills, career awareness/development, and academics (reading, mathematics, science, and communication). By credentialing students in these skill sets, both TCD and the student can identify strengths and areas of potential which will provide students with the information needed to plan for their future. This is, after all, our mission: to develop skills, build self-esteem, and challenge potential for future success. To parents and member schools: Thank you for sending your students our way. It's a privilege to witness their growing confidence and sense of purpose as they meet their goals. To future students: get ready! Together we'll connect your education with the real world. Edward A. Susmilch, Principal Technology Center of DuPage
Advanced Electives
Think Of TCD Programs As Advanced Electives
TCD programs do not compete with your regular high school classes - they complement them. We are part of your high school's optional courses and, like your high school, TCD has a strong academic focus on teaching the principals of math, science, communications, and technology, but our course offerings go beyond what is traditionally found in your high school. At TCD you will experience a unique combination of classroom instruction, career skills building, and hands-on experience geared to prepare you for today's high performance workplace. Here's How It Works All TCD programs help you meet your high school graduation requirements. Some courses qualify for college credit or certification. Because we are part of your school's curriculum, tuition is free to students. Your only costs are minimal fees for supplies, tools, or uniforms. Becoming a TCD student starts at your high school. Your counselor will help you choose which TCD Career Acceleration Program you'd like to add to your junior or senior year schedule. Once enrolled as a TCD student, you'll spend part of your regular school day at our high-tech facility in Addison, Illinois. Transportation to and from the TCD campus is provided by your high school.			The Technology Center of DuPage is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. We are proud to be regarded as one of the Midwest's finest schools for career studies, and the recipient of the Lincoln Award for Commitment to Excellence from the Lincoln Foundation. Choose From 20 Of Today's Highest Growth Careers! Where are today's best jobs? We did the research and built programs around today's most in-demand, high-growth occupational fields. Our Career Acceleration Programs give you a variety of exceptional career choices, from graphic arts and pre-architectural CAD to health and safety services. At TCD you will learn on the same state-of-the-art technology and equipment that's used in industry today. General topics are Building & Machining, Business, Communications, Health and Safety Services, Mechanical, Personal Services, and Technical. See Program Section for detailed course descriptions.
College Credits and Scholarships
Earn College Credit, Credentials And Scholarships
Whether your next step is college or career, TCD programs are your keys to long-term success. College Credit Qualify for credit at local colleges! Participating schools: College of DuPage, Lewis University, Triton Junior College, Kendall College, William Rainey Harper College, Johnson & Wales University and the Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago. You may also be eligible to earn college scholarships. For more details, see the specific program information on our website or the enclosed CD. Professional Licensing Earn the credentials that open doors. TCD programs help you prepare for state, federal, or national licensing exams. These credentials are widely recognized by the business community as marks of achievement and mastery. You can qualify for state or federal licensing in TCD's Fire Science, Cosmetology, and Culinary, Pastry Arts & Hotel Management programs.			Scholarships And Awards College costs are skyrocketing. In fact, the average tuition for a state university has increased 234% from 1981 to 1995! As a TCD student you can win scholarships, and by joining student organizations like the Craftsman's Clubs of America, the Hospitality Club, Jobs for Illinois Graduates Career Association (JILG), and Skills USA/Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), gain recognition in your career field.
Student Advantages
TCD - Your Fast Track to College or Career Success!
You are about to enter the most competitive job market in the world. Are you ready to face the competition? A solid education can get you into a great college or help you land your dream job. But it may not be enough. With technology driving more and more of the marketplace, real-world experience is becoming just as important. So how do you get work experience before you leave high school? By adding Technology Center of DuPage electives to your junior or senior year curriculum. As a junior or senior in a DuPage County area high school, you have an opportunity other students don't - you can attend classes at the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD). Just coordinate it with your high school, and you will get practical, hands-on training in one of today's 20 fastest growing careers. Careers like television production, graphic communications, electronics, automotive technology, and health care.			These are just some of the advantages you will have as a TCD student: * Career Acceleration Programs * Internships with our business partners * College credit, credentials and scholarships TCD programs usually replace your study hall or elective courses, but they never interfere with academic requirements for high school graduation and college entrance requirements. Programs are typically offered half days, and transportation to and from the TCD campus is provided. Let TCD help you use your junior and senior years to learn skills that pay off immediately. At graduation you'll be a step ahead of the rest, having the knowledge, credentials, and workplace experience to give you the competitive edge.
Customize Your Curriculum
You have goals, and your TCD instructor can tailor a learning plan to meet them.
Our one-on-one, goal-driven approach to learning lets you achieve your educational and career objectives at your own pace. Your instructor will guide you to develop your individual area of expertise, and will help you to build your problem solving and team-building skills. Learn on Two Levels Hands-on Basic Training Learn by doing. Go beyond theory and get a first-hand look at how math, science, communications and technology are used in real-world applications. Each program starts with the fundamentals, then lets you apply what you learn through hands-on skill building. You will also expand your general knowledge base on other academic subjects that can open up a broad range of career options.			Workplace Skills and Practical Applications Master the dynamics of today's workplace. To excel in your chosen career you need more than technical skills; you also need practical workplace skills. TCD's career acceleration programs teach you how to work in teams, acquire and use new information effectively, understand complex inter-relationships, and use a variety of advanced technologies. No matter which program you choose at TCD, you will graduate from high school with stronger reading, writing, math, listening, and speaking skills, and improved analytical thinking. Your skills in self-management will allow you to take on higher levels of responsibility, and your confidence will prepare you to succeed in your chosen career.
Internships and Job Shadowing
Take the Real World for a Test Drive
What's it really like out there? TCD job shadowing and internship programs with our business partners give you a sneak peek. For many TCD programs you can take advantage of job shadowing and internship opportunities with local businesses. These hands-on experiences show you how the things you learn in class get applied in the workplace. It's a great way to build your workplace skill portfolio and help you better understand the overall workplace dynamics. As a TCD student you can also interact with customers in our own shops and labs, or participate in student-run businesses like our print shop, child care center, beauty salon, restaurant, or auto repair shop.			Internet access brings the world to your keyboard, letting you collaborate with other schools on research projects, find new learning resources, and access the world's largest storehouse of career-related information. TCD instructors will also guide you on how to prepare an effective resume, conduct a focused job search, and grow and advance in your career.
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