Workforce Empowerment Initiative
The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) is a grant-funded program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). Its mission is to expand access to career training for individuals who have historically been excluded from workforce opportunities, faced limited pathways to postsecondary education, or been systematically underrepresented in high-demand, high-wage industries.
The WEI program provides tuition-free training in high-growth sectors, enabling participants to earn a college credential or industry-recognized certification in one year or less. These credentials open doors to careers that pay 30% above the regional living wage—or place students on an educational pathway to reach that income level.
WEI focuses on short-term (one year or less) credit and non-credit programs that serve high-need communities and address identified workforce gaps. In addition to free tuition and books, participants receive comprehensive support services designed to remove barriers and promote student success. These services include:
- Job training and skills development
- Job placement assistance
- Employability skills workshops
- Support for earning industry-recognized credentials
- Networking with local employers
- Assistance addressing personal or academic barriers
WEI targets unemployed, underemployed, and underserved individuals from 11 communities in the Triton College district: Bellwood, Broadview, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park, River Grove, Rosemont and Stone Park.
If you live outside these towns, contact the WEI team to discuss your eligibility.
Stay informed and inspired—click below to read our newsletter and learn more about our program updates, success stories, and opportunities!
Click HERE to view WEI video.
For additional information, please email us at wei@triton.edu.
WEI Student Spotlight
From Interest to Impact
Zoraima Osegueda of Brookfield feels like she’s finally turning her ambitions into a reality. After years of hard work and determination...
On Eriberto Zuniga’s wall is the quote “keep moving forward,” from the animated film “Meet the Robinsons.”
Abby Stevenson’s journey to becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) began when they started experiencing bouts of severe headaches...
WEI 2026 Programs
- A+ Microcomputer Technician Certificate
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Preparation Certificate
- EKG (Must register for Information Session)
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation and Maintenance
- Engineering Technology/CAD Advanced Certificate
- Engineering Technology/Mechatronics Certificate
- Engineering Technology/Electrical Certificate
- Engineering Technology/Robotic Welding
- HVAC Installation Technician Certificate (No HVAC Assistant Courses included)
- Light Vehicle Maintenance Certificate
- Security Administrator Certificate
- Truck Brake & Suspension
- Truck Engine Repair Certificate
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
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