Workforce Empowerment Initiative

Kaskaskia College’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative: (WEI) program provides individuals with the resources they need to compete in today’s working world, all completely FREE. WEI will have you trained and job-ready in less than a year, in one of several certificate programs available to participants.

The WEI aims to expand access for learners who have traditionally been excluded from workforce opportunities, faced limited pathways to postsecondary education or career advancement, and have been systematically underrepresented in high demand and high wage industries.

Program benefits include:

FREE tuition, books, and course fees.
FREE childcare and transportation for those who need it.
FREE advising and job placement support.
FREE academic and training assistance.
FREE training in critical essential employability skills valued by employers, plus $500 for every student who successfully completes the training.
STIPENDS for program progression, completion, and employment.

Requirements:

Participants must live in the Kaskaskia College district.
Participants must be willing and able to work upon completion of their program.
Meet requirements of selected program.

While each application is given individual consideration on a first-come, first-served basis, eligibility preference is given to those who meet three of the following criteria:

Live in a High Poverty Census Tract address in Kaskaskia College district
Unemployed/Underemployed (living wage as set by MIT)
High financial need (measured by PELL eligibility)
Receive SNAP/TANF benefits
Formerly incarcerated
No certification or degree

Programs

Participants may choose from a number of short-term career education programs and certifications, including these that can be completed in a semester or less:

*Placement requirements

**Placement requirements and special admittance program

Funded in whole or part by the Illinois Community College Board.