Workforce Empowerment Initiative Grant (WEI)

The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) is a statewide grant program focused on expanding training opportunities for individuals of poverty from distressed communities in Illinois.   

WEI training programs allow individuals the ability to improve their livelihoods and pursue jobs that earn 30% above the living wage. Twenty participating colleges are offering academic/certificate programs which lead to employment in high skilled, high wage, and in-demand occupations. WEI funding allows colleges to remove barriers to student success, which may include free tuition, childcare, transportation, and educational supplies. This transformative initiative also assists colleges with implementing new approaches to serve individuals of poverty from distressed communities. Funds are used to develop new student services, in-demand training programs, outreach efforts, and community partners.

Students receiving WEI Grant funding at Prairie State College can only have their WEI Grant funding applied at Prairie State College.  
Attention: Due to high enrollment and registrations, the WEI Grant will have to place new applications on hold.
"Effective Sept 8th, applications for the following programs will be placed on hold until the spring 2026 semester.
Credit Courses (Certified Nursing Assistant/ CNA, Emergency Medical Technician/ EMT and Basic Firefighter)
Non Credit Courses (CDL Truck Driving, Clinical Medical Assistant/ CMA, Dialysis Patient Care Tech, DPCT, Medical Central Service/ Sterilization and Phlebotomy)"

Application Eligibility and Contacts 

To become eligible for this grant opportunity, applicants must complete a virtual or on campus orientation, the online application and a virtual or on campus interview with a member of our team.
 

 

The information and links presented in these archives may no longer be accurate. For current catalog information, please visit the current academic catalog. Archived academic catalogs are provided for accreditation organizations, agencies, and College offices for data collection, evaluation purposes and referencing. Academic advisors, faculty and students should refer to the current version of the academic catalog.

For more information, email: weigrant@prairiestate.edu

Brian Stanley, M.P.A., M.A. Director - bstanley1@prairiestate.edu 708-709-3561 (ATOC) / 708-709-3554 (Matteson Area Center)  Office A115

Grace L. McGinnis, MPA | Dean of Enrollment Management T: 708-709-3519 | F: 708-709-3716 gmcginnis@prairiestate.edu

Lisa Porter Retention Advisor lporter7@prairiestate.edu 708-709-3618,

Chauna Powell Retention Advisor - cpowell8@prairiestate.edu Office Number: 708-709-3656

Denise Redick Outreach Coordinator - Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) Grant dredick@prairiestate.edu 708-709-3533 

Non-credit Courses 

  • Automotive Technician (Ford Referral Only)
  • CDL (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • CMA (Clinical Medical Assistant) (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Construction
  • Dialysis Patient Care Technician (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Forklift (Funding for Fall 2025)
  • Human Resource Management - aPHR Certificate (Funding for Fall 2025)
  • Medical Central Service Technician (Sterilization) (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Phlebotomy Technician (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • OSHA (Funding for Fall 2025)

Credit Courses*

  • Automotive Technician
  • Basic Firefighter I (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Basic Firefighter II
  • CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Firefighter/ EMT Certification (Funding for Spring 2026)
  • Google IT
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
  • Industrial Electrician
  • Nursing (A.A.)
  • Paramedic
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Welding
  • Nursing (A.A.)
  • Surgical Technology

 

*Credit Courses must be completed by September 30, 2026

In an effort to identify needs and resources, students receiving WEI grant funds are expected to speak with the Retention Advisor monthly by email, phone or on campus visit.

If you receive WEI Grant funding, you are expected to find employment and/ or enhance your career. We will continue to follow up with you 2 to 10 months after the successful completion of your program.