Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI)

The Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI), sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board, helps you gain high-demand skills and secure a well-paying, full-time career—at zero cost to you.

Through WEI, eligible Heartland students earn industry-recognized credentials in one year or less. Beyond covering 100% of tuition, fees, and textbooks, WEI eliminates common barriers to success by offering personalized coaching, stipend opportunities, and direct connections to local employers.

In addition to free tuition and books, participants in this program can expect:  

  • Industry-recognized credential support  
  • Job training and skills development  
  • Employability skills development  
  • Job placement assistance  
  • Other services to address barriers to completion  

We are now accepting applications for the 2027 Spring Semester.

Questions?  Call us at 309-268-8407 or e-mail us at wei@heartland.edu 

 

Program Details

WEI Program Quick Facts

Cost
100% Covered (Tuition, Books, Fees, and Equipment)
Duration
1 Year or Less (Short-term Certificates)
Support Provided
Childcare Assistance, Transportation Support, Free Tutoring, Career Coaching
Eligibility Highlights
  • Age 21 or older
  • In-district resident
  • Low-income / FAFSA eligible
  • Seeking full-time employment

WEI Application

Apply for Spring 2027

Apply Now!

Eligible Certificates

Manufacturing & Trades  

Electric Vehicle (EV) & Energy Systems

Healthcare & Applied Sciences

Transportation

How to Get Started

Ready to Begin? Follow These Steps

  1. Apply to Heartland (10 Mins): Complete the Heartland Admissions Application, if you haven't already.
  2. Complete the WEI Participant Application (20 Mins): Your WEI participant application helps us learn more about your goals so we can best support your needs.This must be completed to qualify for the program.
  3. Build Your Career Profile (30 Mins): Set up your Career Coach profile, take a quick career assessment, and upload your resume.  
  4. File Your FAFSA: Submit your 2026–2027 FAFSA using Heartland’s school code: 030838 to unlock your funding.
Although all steps must be completed to for admission as a WEI student, a member of our team will reach out to you to schedule your intake meeting after you complete Step 2.

Visit Us or Reach Out

Contact

Phone: 309-268-8407
Email: wei@heartland.edu 

WDC Student Center

1508 Vermillion Way
Suite 2700
Normal, IL 61761

Hours

Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Community College Board.