West Garfield Park – Malcolm X College, part of the City Colleges of Chicago, is set to open its newly expanded West Campus on Sept. 21. The campus, located at 4624 W. Madison St., was formerly the West Side Learning Center and now offers a broader range of programs for high‑school students and adults seeking healthcare careers.
Expanded facilities and enrollment capacity
The $20 million expansion increases enrollment capacity by 50 percent, allowing up to 2,000 students to take classes. In addition to the existing adult‑education focus, the campus will now host early‑college courses in math, biology and English, as well as certification programs for medical assistants, community health workers, patient‑care technicians and basic nursing assistants.
Pathways from GED to career
Students who begin with high‑school equivalency or GED courses can continue directly to early‑college classes or healthcare certifications without leaving the campus. The full medical‑assistant program can be completed on‑site, while other programs will start at the West Campus before students transfer to Malcolm X College’s main campus at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. for later semesters.
New community center honors Congressman Davis
A 3,000‑square‑foot community center, named the Danny K. Davis Community Center, was officially dedicated during a ceremony attended by local residents and elected officials. The center provides recreational space, meeting rooms for students and event space for the public, reinforcing the college’s commitment to families and the broader community.
“The opening of the West Campus represents access and a call‑to‑action for our community,” said West Campus dean Barbara Meschino, a Garfield Park native. “The West Side has been underserved for a long time, and this is meaningful in that we’re investing in our community, people and families.”
Congressman Davis’s legacy
Outgoing U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis, who announced his retirement after 30 years in Congress, was honored for his long‑standing support of Malcolm X College. President David Sanders noted that Davis helped secure millions of dollars in funding that addressed equity concerns ranging from tuition and food assistance to housing, mental‑health services, tech labs and child‑care for students and parents.
“By putting your name on this community center, we ensure that every student who walks through these doors knows exactly who fought for them,” Sanders said.
Impact on West Side families
The expansion aligns with the college’s mission to provide affordable, high‑quality education and career pathways for West Side families. By offering in‑house healthcare certifications, the campus helps address local workforce needs while giving students a clear route to stable, well‑paying jobs.
For more information about enrollment or program details, prospective students can visit the Malcolm X College West Campus website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
