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@es-one.com.
WEI 2024 Programs
Carpentry
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Dental Assistant
Dialysis Technician
Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level II Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level II Credential
EKG Technician (Electrocardiogram)
Electrical
Medical Billing & Coding
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
Plumbing
Robotic Welding
Truck Brake and Suspension
Truck Engine Repair
Welding
WEI Application
Now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 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.
Applicants can typically expect to be contacted regarding their application within 4-6 weeks of the certificate program start date.
IMPORTANT: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) applicants must first be accepted to the CNA program prior to consideration for WEI. Please visit the CNA Program website for next steps.
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.
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@es-one.com if you have any questions.
WEI Community Connects Registration
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.
Meet your Completion and Transition Specialist
Completion and Transition Specialist | Certificate Program |
---|---|
Jesus Lopez
A-204
|
Health Careers
Early Childhood Education
Architecture
Information Technology & Business
|
Ronnetta Phillips
A-204
|
Engineering Technology & Diesel
Information Technology & Business
|
Karina Santos
|
Health Careers
|
Contact Information
Workforce Equity Initiative Office
A Building, Room A-204
Office Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3842
Cell Phone (call/text): (708) 829-5461
Email: wei@es-one.com
Cierra Morris
Director of Workforce Equity Initiative
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3973
Email: cierramorris@es-one.com
Yanika Barfield
Employer Relations Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3151
Email: yanikabarfield@es-one.com
Jesus Lopez
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3844
jesuslopez4@es-one.com
Ronnetta Phillips
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3851
ronnettaphillips@es-one.com
Karina Santos
Completion & Transition Specialist
Office: A-204
Phone: (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3746
karinasantos@es-one.com