Workforce Equity Initiative Program at RVC Provides Wrap-around Support

Rock Valley College (RVC) was awarded a Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant of $1.5 million to serve 150 participants in September 2019. The initial grant provided the opportunity to provide Truck Driver Training, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operation, Cold Forming, and Industrial Welding.

Then in November 2020, RVC was awarded $1.2 million from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to serve 109 low-income, minority persons within the College’s district that are currently underserved and underemployed. The second grant covers training in Truck Driving, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operation, Dental Assisting, Mobile Application Development, and Industrial Maintenance.

The WEI provides participants with stipends to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and materials for courses required to complete the identified short-term certificate program.

Participants in the program are also provided with wrap-around support services that address their individual needs; such as life and career coaching and financial support for transportation and child care. This allows participants to be successful in completing the educational requirements and securing post-completion employment.

Learn more about the Workforce Equity Initiative Program at RockValleyCollege.edu.

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