MEDIA ADVISORY: Statewide leaders tout overwhelming success of workforce equity initiative outcomes, doubling the national average for African American student completion.
Leaders will gather to tout initiative designed to credential workers and address critical gaps in the workforce
East Peoria, IL (08/16/2022) — On Thursday, August 18, 2022, Illinois Central College will host a press conference with Heartland Community College to share the successes and opportunities of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI). WEI is focused on expanding training opportunities for people of poverty with a focus on African Americans from distressed communities. WEI provides credentials leading to employment in high skilled, high wage, and in-demand occupations. The initiative, championed by Speaker Pro Tempore and State Representative from the 92nd District, Jehan Gordon-Booth, provides a credential and an above living-wage job for adults residing in low income, low employment, and high crime areas of the state. 18 colleges currently participate in the program with ICCB and ICC providing statewide leadership.
With support from Governor JB Pritzker, Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, and local legislators, $18 million annual funding for WEI allows participating colleges to develop or enhance training and career pathway programs in high-demand employment sectors experiencing workforce gaps - health care, manufacturing, construction, transportation, information technology, and emergency services.
WHO: Assistant Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth (IL-92)
Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President of Illinois Central College
Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College
Paula Nachtrieb, Director of Workforce Development, Illinois Central College
Zach Bell, Workforce Equity Initiative Employer Partner
O'Shaughnessy Boyd, Workforce Equity Initiative Participant
WHEN: Thursday, August 18th, 2022 10:00 AM
WHERE: Illinois Central College Peoria Campus Student Center 5407 N. University Street Peoria, IL 61635
Illinois Central College is a two-year community college with campuses in East Peoria, Peoria, and Pekin, Illinois providing a high-quality, affordable education to prepare students to enter the workforce or to transfer to a four-year college or university.
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