Triton College to Host Power Forward Career and Resource Summit April 1

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College will host its inaugural Power Forward Career and Resource Summit on Wednesday, April 1, bringing together students, job seekers, employers and community members for an afternoon focused on career opportunities and workforce development.

Hosted by Triton’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative, the event will take place 2 to 6 p.m. in the Student Center Cafeteria in the B Building.

The summit will connect attendees with employers who are actively hiring while offering insight into industry expectations, workforce trends and emerging career pathways. Participants will also have opportunities to network with employers and engage with Triton College leadership and staff on workforce needs and student success.

WEI Director Cierra Morris said the summit provides meaningful opportunities for attendees to prepare for new careers.

“This isn’t just an opportunity to pass out your resume,” Morris said. “Participants will have the chance to network with employers, gain insight into hiring expectations and strengthen their job readiness. They’ll also learn which skills and qualities employers value most so they can better prepare to enter the workforce.”

In addition to employer tables and networking opportunities, the summit will feature presentations from professionals in key industries — including health care, engineering, skilled labor and manufacturing — offering a glimpse into a typical day in their field. Additional sessions will focus on financial literacy and building a portfolio that helps candidates stand out in the job market.

“We want participants to not just engage with employers superficially, but to actually make a direct impact,” said Courtney Winfrey, WEI Employer Relations Specialist. “Developing a clear vision for your long-term career path is more valuable than simply securing a job immediately after graduation.”

Triton College’s Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) is a grant-funded program sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board. The initiative expands access to career training for individuals who have historically been excluded from workforce opportunities, faced limited pathways to postsecondary education, or been underrepresented in high-demand, high-wage industries.

To date, WEI has enrolled 336 students, including 332 from underrepresented populations. The program has graduated 229 completers, resulting in a nearly 70% completion rate.

“We are so proud of the outcomes achieved through student persistence, staff support, and strong campus and community partnerships,” Morris said. “We remain committed to building on this momentum and continuing our efforts to drive our numbers even higher.”

For more information about WEI, visit triton.edu/WEI or call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3842.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.