Illinois Central College

Project Title: Illinois Central College Hired! IT Workforce Accelerator Good Jobs Proposal
Region (applicant-defined)/State(s) or territory served: Central Illinois
Phase (applicant-defined): System Development
Award Amount: $14,641,135
Key Industry / Industries: Information Technology
Contact: Sheila Quirk-Bailey, President, [email protected]
Project Narrative (applicant submitted) (PDF)
View Press Release
Summary:
Illinois Central College will serve as System Lead Entity and Backbone Organization for a new information technology sector partnership aimed at strengthening Central Illinois’s economy. The project will partner with over 40 companies, including Accenture, JP Morgan Chase, i3 broadband, and OSF Healthcare, providing the skilled technology and cybersecurity professionals needed to strengthen and grow large and small employers. Many of these employers have not only signed letters committing to hire trainees, but to also provide wraparound services to those going through training. With plans to start training low-income residents starting as early as high school, the awardee will build a pipeline of skilled workers to enter high-paying jobs in the field. With a focus on equity, Illinois Central College will also partner with several community-based organizations including Goodwill Industries, METEC, and the tri-county Urban League.

The project narrative included above is what was submitted by the applicants. The final EDA-approved scope of work may differ.