WEI bridges workforce gaps in Illinois

The community colleges of Illinois deliver strong workforce outcomes for the state.

The Workforce Equity Initiative is a grant program that expands skills training and support to at-risk communities while addressing the workforce gaps in Illinois. Through WEI, 18 community colleges are providing individuals with short-term training for in-demand fields with the goal for them to obtain a job within one year which earns 30% above the living wage.

Workforce Equity Initiative Impact

• Since 2019 when it began, over 12,711 students have enrolled at Illinois community colleges in the WEI program. Of those students, over 9,204 (72%) are African-American.
• Illinois community colleges offer over 120 high-demand training programs through WEI that lead to careers in healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, construction, transportation and business.
• WEI has achieved a 67% employment rate, with over 5,000 students employed with jobs paying above life sustaining wages.

Source: https://www.illinoiswei.org/

The colleges which currently offer programs through WEI are: Black Hawk College, Harold Washington College, Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College, Joliet Junior College, Kaskaskia College, Kennedy-King College, Lincoln Land Community College, Malcolm X College, Oakton College, Olive-Harvey College, Parkland College, Prairie State College, Richard J. Daley College, Richland Community College, Rock Valley College, South Suburban College, Southwestern Illinois College, Triton College and Wilbur Wright College.

 

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The Fall 2024 information series highlights programs offered at Illinois community colleges, where community support can expand access to higher education and foster a skilled workforce.

Week of Oct. 28: PATH Grant - Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH) is a statewide grant program that creates, supports, and expands opportunities for individuals studying nursing and other select healthcare pathways in Illinois. Through PATH, Illinois community colleges are expanding access to healthcare training opportunities, allowing more students to obtain credentials and degrees that allow them to enter and/or advance in their careers in the healthcare industry.

Week of Nov. 4: Dual Credit - The community colleges of Illinois, including KCC, are leading the way as the primary providers of dual credit. Dual credit programs provide high school students the opportunity to earn credits towards their diploma and college degree while in high school.