Workforce Empowerment Initiative

Get fast, free training that leads to employment in high-demand jobs in healthcare, truck driving or manufacturing.

You’ll receive up to a $1000 stipend and support services like child care referrals and career coaching.

The purpose of the Workforce Empowerment Initiative is to accelerate the time to enter and succeed in post-secondary education/training programs that lead to employment in high-skilled, high-wage, and in-demand occupations with special consideration to disproportionately impacted, unemployed, and/or underemployed residents from identified zip codes. 

Eligible Programs

Basic Requirements

  • Priority is given to justice impacted, unemployed, and individuals from historically excluded backgrounds.

Contact

We're here to help you through the application process. Contact wei@oakton.edu for help.

Apply Today

  2. Attend a virtual intake session
  3. Meet with a WEI representative to verify eligibility
  4. Enroll in your program of choice (spots are limited)

About the Workforce Empowerment Initiative

Oakton CDL student standing outside Department of Transportation

The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) is a grant program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The primary deliverable of this grant is employment after completion of the credential aligned with regional workforce gaps that provide a full-time job paying at least 30 percent above the regional living wage or is on a pathway to a family-sustaining wage.

FAQs

How long are the programs?

All programs can be completed in a semester or less.