Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI)
The WEI is no longer accepting applications for 2025-26.
Overview
The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) provides resources for short-term education/training programs designed to help participants gain employment in high-wage and in-demand occupations.
Applicable Programs
WEI student support services
As a WEI participant, you can receive:
- Free tuition and fees
- Books and materials
- A stipend
- Transportation assistance
- Child care assistance
- Waiver for prior unpaid fees owed to BHC
- Loanable laptop and Wi-Fi hotspots
- Tutoring
- Essential and employability skills training
- Job placement assistance
Eligibility
In order to participate in the WEI program, you must:
- Reside within the Black Hawk College district.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who meets certain eligibility requirements.
- Be low income (i.e. qualify for federal financial aid; receive SNAP benefits, Medicaid or TANF).
- Meet requirements of selected WEI program.
Steps to Apply
1. Apply to Black Hawk College
To be eligible for the WEI Grant, students must be enrolled at Black Hawk College.
2. Complete the WEI Grant Application
The WEI is no longer accepting applications for 2025-26.
About the Grant
The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI) is a statewide grant program focused on expanding training opportunities for individuals of poverty from distressed communities in Illinois. Now in its sixth year of funding (FY25), the WEI model is proving to be a successful methodology for achieving outstanding enrollment, completion and employment. For additional information about Illinois state grant outcomes, go to illinoiswei.org.
More to Explore
Grants
All Programs
Academic Departments
Contact
WEI Grant Facilitators
Heather Bjorgan
Dean of Student Services