Heartland Community College Celebrates Workforce Equity Initiative Students

 

[December 20, 2024]   NORMAL, IL, – As the Fall 2024 semester comes to a close, Heartland Community College celebrated students completing certificate programs supported by the Workforce Equity Initiative.

The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) was established in 2019 as an innovative partnership with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, and community colleges. The WEI consortium works to create, support, and expand job training opportunities for areas with identified workforce skills gaps. The grant supports short-term training opportunities, career and technical education certificates, and stackable credentials at Heartland.

One hundred WEI scholars were recently recognized for completing programs leading to certification for in-demand jobs. These high-impact programs develop and foster the skills of individuals looking to retool their job skills or directly enter the workforce. Scholars recognized this semester are in Heartland certificate programs such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, Electric Vehicle Technology, Welding, Computer Networking Support Specialist, HVAC, and Truck Driving. All WEI-eligible programs are designed to create a quick pathway to occupations earning 30 percent above the area living wage.

More than 522 students have enrolled in WEI certificates since Heartland first received the grant from the Illinois Community College Board in 2022.

“Heartland’s WEI program is a signature program driving our mission to provide accessible, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities to our community,” said Terrance Bond, Assistant to the President for Equity and Effectiveness (or Institutional Effectiveness and EDI). “The WEI team partners with community organizations and local businesses to engage underemployed or unemployed adult learners who may be cautious about higher education. While most of our WEI scholars complete a short-term certificate and return to the workforce, we are also excited when scholars continue their education, earning stackable credentials towards the associate degree.”

WEI students at Heartland Community College

The grant is targeted toward African American and low-income learners to facilitate career training that can move recipients quickly into the workforce. Funds provide tuition and services including success coaching and career navigation support, technology support, transportation, and childcare needs.

“WEI and other work-ready programs at Heartland benefit the entire community,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille. “Since 2022 WEI has brought in an economic impact of over $4,600,000 to McLean County. But most importantly this effort to break through the barriers that keep individuals from attaining education and workplace skills has changed lives for the better.”

Heartland offers 15 certificate programs supported by WEI and leading to immediate careers. Prospective learners who are interested in workforce programs may be eligible for scholarship opportunities. Visit www.heartland.edu/wei/ for more information on the Workforce Equity Initiative at Heartland Community College.

[Heartland College | Steve Fast]