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Workforce Empowerment Initiative

The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) serves unemployed, underemployed, and underserved individuals across 25 towns and villages within the Triton College District 504, including Bellwood, Broadview, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park, River Grove, Rosemont, and Stone Park.

WEI is fully funded through a state grant provided by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and supports 100% low-income students verified through FAFSA. With nearly 40% of Triton College students identified as Pell-eligible, WEI plays a critical role in expanding access to education and workforce opportunities.

WEI focuses on short-term (one year or less) certificate programs that address identified workforce gaps. The program utilizes a holistic, proactive support model that integrates academic advising, career readiness, and employment services to promote student retention, persistence, completion, and successful entry into the workforce.

WEI reduces financial barriers through a last-dollar funding approach, ensuring that tuition, books, and essential academic costs are covered after financial aid is applied. While stipends are no longer provided, resources are strategically aligned to support student success and completion. Services include:

  • Workforce training aligned with high-demand industries
  • Academic advising and proactive student support
  • Job placement assistance and employer connections
  • Career readiness and Illinois Essential Employability Skills workshops
  • Support for earning industry -recognized credentials and certifications
  • Networking opportunities with employers, staffing agencies, and unions
  • Transportation and emergency supportive services
  • Assistance addressing academic, financial, and personal barriers impacting student success

Stay informed and inspired—click below to read our newsletter and learn more about our program updates, success stories, and opportunities!

Spring 2026 Newsletter

Click HERE to view the WEI Video.

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

WEI targets unemployed, underemployed, and underserved individuals from Triton College's District 504, which proudly serves the following 25 towns and villages.

Illinois Community College Locator

 

Bellwood
Berkeley
Broadview
Brookfield*
Elmwood Park
Forest Park
Franklin Park
Harwood Heights*
Hillside
Hines
LaGrange Park*
Maywood
Melrose Park
Norridge*
North Riverside
Northlake
Norwood Park*
Oak Park
River Forest
River Grove
Riverside
Rosemont*
Schiller Park
Stone Park
Westchester

* Indicates only portions of these communities are located in District 504.

If you live outside these towns, contact the WEI team to discuss your eligibility.

 

WEI Student Spotlight

From Interest to Impact

Headshot of Zoraima Osegueda

Zoraima Osegueda of Brookfield feels like she’s finally turning her ambitions into a reality. After years of hard work and determination...

Headshot of Eriberto Zuniga

On Eriberto Zuniga’s wall is the quote “keep moving forward,” from the animated film “Meet the Robinsons.”

Abby Stevenson Head Shot

Abby Stevenson’s journey to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) began when they started experiencing bouts of severe headaches...

 

 

WEI 2026 Programs


WEI Application

Now accepting applications for the Fall Semester.

To become eligible for the grant opportunity, applicants must first apply to Triton College and complete the 2026-27 FAFSA 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.  

Workforce Empowerment (WEI)
Grant 8: Program Application Form

All students in the Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) must Apply for FAFSA for the new academic year.

You must confirm that your FAFSA has been properly processed with the Triton College Financial Aid Office. Please reach out directly to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions about your FAFSA or if you need assistance with the application.

Financial Aid Office Contact Information:
Financial Aid Office
Student Center – B Building, Room B-160
Financial Aid Link
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3155
Email: finaid@triton.edu
Fax: (708) 583-3180

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

WEI Feedback

WEI Student Feedback Form 

Contact Information

Workforce Empowerment Initiative Office
A Building, Room A-204
Office Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3842
Cell Phone (call/text): (708) 240-4931
wei@triton.edu

Cierra Morris
Director of Workforce Empowerment Initiative
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3973
cierramorris@triton.edu

Devlin Collins
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3746
devlincollins@triton.edu

Jesus Lopez
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3851
jesuslopez4@triton.edu

Courtney Winfrey
Employer Relations Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3151
courtneywinfrey@triton.edu