Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI)
Overview
The Workforce Equity 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. Complete the WEI Application
All WEI applications are on a first come first serve basis and will be reviewed in 3-5 business days. Applicants will be notified by email regarding program acceptance and/or if additional information is required.
The questions ask basic information about the prospective student, including education, employment, household and program interest. It will also ask for 3-5 sentence statements on the following:
- Explain why you are chose to pursue your academic program/field of study and how you will benefit from receiving WEI resources.
- What or who is your motivation for success and why?
- Think about a time when you faced a challenge. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from that experience?
2. Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA
To complete the FAFSA, all contributors must be present and bring their required documents. (Incomplete FAFSAs can be saved and completed by student or parent at a later time.)
3. Take a Career Coach Assessment
If you don’t have one already, please create an account before taking the assessment.
About the Grant
The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) is a statewide grant program focused on expanding training opportunities for minority students in at-risk communities. 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
Grants
All Programs
Academic Departments
WEI Grant Facilitators
Dr. Daniel C. Marvin
Dean of Economic & Workforce Development
309-796-5040
marvind@v-lanterna.com