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.
Spring 2024 Programs
A+ Microcomputer Technician
Administrative Assistant Certificate
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Dental Assistant
Dialysis Technician
EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram)
Engineering Technology Mechatronics
Executive Administrative Assistant
Medical Billing & Coding
Network Technician
Optician
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
Physical Therapy
Truck Brake and Suspension
Truck Engine Repair
Robotic Welding
Welding
WEI Application
Now accepting applications for the Spring 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.
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.
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
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.
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