JJC Relaunches Workforce Equity Initiative Program

With the goal of providing workforce training in high-demand, high-growth occupations for individuals from underserved and underrepresented populations, Joliet Junior College (JJC) is one of 20 Illinois community colleges to receive grant funding through the Illinois Community College Board’s Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) program.  

JJC has been awarded more than $850,000 to provide non-credit workforce training in four occupations: commercial truck driver, dental assistant, EKG technician and process operator technician.

Through JJC’s program, students receive foundational training, textbooks and supplies. To help eliminate the barriers to learning, students also receive transportation assistance in the form of a gas card. Upon successful completion of their training programs, students can even receive a stipend to assist them as they transition to the workforce. Work readiness preparation that focuses on soft skills, resume development, interviewing techniques and job placement assistance is also embedded in the training.

“We are prepping these students for success,” said Monica Lowe, manager of corporate training and workforce education at JJC. “Our programming is focused on getting them to the best position possible to make them ideal candidates for the jobs they are seeking.”

As part of the grant’s guidelines, a minimum of 60% of the population served through this grant must be African American. Training is available at no cost if participants meet the grant’s eligibility requirements. The goal is for students to secure full-time employment in a career that pays 30% above the average living wage.

JJC participated in the WEI program from 2019-2021 but paused due to staffing demands. After reorganizing the department, JJC rejoined the program in the fall of 2024 and hired Marlo Schulz as the WEI supportive services coordinator.  

Since January of this year, more than two dozen students have enrolled in WEI-funded career training at JJC, with more students being added every week. The goal is to enroll 90 students by September 2025.

“We are focusing on programs that allow our students to complete training and get to work as quickly as possible,” said Schulz. “We want to see this program positively impact their lives, the lives of their family members and the community around them.”

Interested individuals should visit jjc.edu/WEI to complete the WEI Interest Form. Once the form is submitted, a case manager will contact them within two business days to discuss their options and whether WEI is the right fit for them.