Workforce Equity Initiative

The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) is a grant program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The purpose of the WEI grant is to accelerate the time for African American students to enter and succeed in post-secondary education/training programs that lead to employment in high skilled, high wage, and in-demand occupations. The primary deliverable of this grant is employment after completion of the credential aligned with regional workforce gaps that provides a full-time job paying at least 30% above the regional living wage or is on a pathway to a family sustaining wage.

The WEI program provides tuition-free training in high-demand fields to help participants secure a full-time career in less than one year. In addition to free tuition and books, the WEI grant program provides the following supportive services:

  • Job training and skills development 
  • Job placement assistance
  • Employability skills development
  • Industry-recognized credential support
  • Employer connections
  • Other services to address barriers to completion

The WEI grant program addresses high-demand careers, targeting the unemployed, underemployed and African American adults from 11 designated communities within the Triton College district. Residents of Bellwood, Broadview, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park, River Grove, Rosemont and Stone Park are encouraged to apply. If you reside outside of the 11 towns, please contact the WEI staff for individual eligibility.

Click HERE to view WEI video.

For additional information, please email us at  wei@triton.edu.


WEI 2024 Programs

A+ Microcomputer Technician

Administrative/Program Assistant Certificate

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

Dental Assistant

Dialysis Technician

EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram)

Engineering Technology CAD

Engineering Technology Mechatronics

Executive Administrative Assistant

Medical Billing & Coding

Network Technician

Optician

Pharmacy Technician

Phlebotomy

Physical Therapy

Sterile Processing Technician

Truck Brake and Suspension

Truck Engine Repair

Robotic Welding

Welding

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WEI Application

Now accepting applications for the Summer Semester.

To become eligible for the grant opportunity, applicants must submit an application. Please block out 30 minutes of your time to complete the WEI application. Once the WEI team receives the application, you will be contacted to discuss next steps. 

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Information Sessions

Please register for a virtual information session to learn more about the WEI grant, the different certificate programs we offer, and the WEI participant requirements. After you register, you will be sent an email with the Zoom link to join the virtual session. We hope to see you there!

WEI Information Session Registration

Health Professions Information Session Registration

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FAFSA Information

Please click on the FAFSA link only after you have been instructed to do so by a WEI representative. There will be assistance available for those who require it when completing.

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Community Partners

If you are a member of a community organization and are interested in learning more about or collaborating with the WEI Grant Program, we want to connect with you! Join us on the second Tuesday of every month from 12-1 p.m. on Zoom for an informal WEI Community Connects. You will have the opportunity to connect with members of the WEI team and discuss potential collaborations, including but not limited to: hosting a WEI info session at your organization, partnering on recruiting events, and internship and on-the-job training. Please register using the link below and contact us at WEIoffice@triton.edu if you have any questions.

WEI Community Connects Registration

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COVID-19 Information

It is very important to frequently check the Triton COVID-19 web page for updates so that you are aware of information and safety protocols when coming to campus.

For more information about Triton’s COVID-19 information, please Click HERE.

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Contact Information

Will White
Executive Director - WEI
Office:
H-249
Phone:
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3481
Email: williewhite2@triton.edu

Yanika Barfield
Employer Relations Specialist
Office:
 H-243
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3175
Email: yanikabarfield@triton.edu

Yuliia Halabura
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office:
H-243
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3325
Email: yuliiahalabura@triton.edu

Ronnetta Phillips
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: H-243
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3831
ronnettaphillips@triton.edu

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