Waubonsee Works

Waubonsee Works is a grant-funded program dedicated to helping participants overcome barriers, learn a skill, earn a certificate or AAS degree, and find employment in high-demand, high-paying occupations.

What Waubonsee Works Provides

Financial Assistance

Up to $10,000 in tuition assistance and up to $2,500 annually for books, supplies, certifications, exam costs, tools, uniforms, and transportation.

Guidance & Support

One-on-one career guidance, individualized career planning, and High School Equivalency support.

Employment Training

Job search assistance and Paid Work Training (PWE) opportunities.

Who is eligible?

Waubonsee Works is one program with two different pathways for enrollment. Staff will help determine which pathway is best for you when you apply.

You may qualify for the YOUTH pathway if you are:

Ages 16 – 24 years old
Authorized to work in the United States
Selective Service Compliant (males 18 and up)
Not currently enrolled in college or High School Classes excluding Adult Education or Transition programs,
AND facing one or more of the following barriers:
Have a disability
Lack a high school diploma
Have a high school diploma but are low-income
Low income
Homeless
Pregnant or parenting
Justice Involved
In or aged out of Foster Care

You may qualify for the ADULT pathway if you are:

Age 18 and up
Authorized to work in the United States
Selective Service Compliant (males 18 and up)
To be eligible to receive tuition assistance you must earn no more that 225% of the Lower Living Standard in Illinois.
US Veterans receive priority of service for either pathway

What programs of study are eligible for funding?

Approved programs include high-wage, high-demand pathways such as:

Accounting
Automation Technology
Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology
Automotive Service Technology
Business Management

Cybersecurity
Early Childhood Education
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Fire Science
Heath Information Technology

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
High School Equivalency
Light Duty Diesel Repair
Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Machine Tool Technology (CNC Programmer or CNC Operator)

Office Software Specialist
Paralegal
Software Development
UX/UI
Welding

For a complete list of approved programs at Waubonsee and other local training facilities please visit:

Approved Training Providers and Programs

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Program Expectations & Work-Based Learning

What are the program expectations?

Complete the enrollment and onboarding process
Meet with a Waubonsee Works Advisor a minimum of once per month
Submit all required documents as requested
Sign a tuition contract, participation contract, and all other required documents
Complete training program (if approved for training)
Maintain a 2.0 GPA (Healthcare pathways require a 3.0 GPA)
Attend the Annual Building Bridges: Creating Career Connections Conference
Attend any workshops/trainings assigned by your Waubonsee Works Advisor
Obtain full-time employment upon program completion
Celebrate your Success by attending a recognition ceremony

Work-Based Learning

Waubonsee Works also offers paid training both at both on and off-campus sites. As a Waubonsee Work participant you may be eligible to complete a Paid Work Experience (PWE) as part of your program of study internship or clinical requirements or as a supplemental service.

PWEs provide real-world work experiences for participants, allowing students to earn while learning. Similar to pre-apprenticeships, PWEs pay participants equivalent industry wages while in training and help prepare participants to work in industry. Upon PWE completion some employers may offer students full-time employment.

Businesses interested in becoming a PWE job site may contact the Program Manager or Career and Workforce Advisor for more information.

How do I enroll?

If you are an agency, counselor, or other students advocate wishing to refer a student to the Waubonsee Works, please complete the referral here

*Programs are subject to change. Participants may be enrolled in 1 – 5 classes per semester, actual financial awards are determined semesterly and based on need and funding availability. Additional stackable credentials and AAS program funding approvals are based on successful student certificate completion, available funding and capped at $10,000 per participant. For a list of additional approved programs visit https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/wioatraining/provider/3850 or the WIOA Approved Programs of Study (PDF). .

Contact Waubonsee Works for more information

Jennifer Lillian Lara
Waubonsee Works Program Manager
(630) 906-4176
jlara1@waubonsee.edu

Kayla Galauner
Waubonsee Works Case Advisor (Adult pathways)
(630) 906-4105
kgalauner@waubonsee.edu

Lucero Martinez
Waubonsee Works Case Advisor (Youth pathways)
(630) 906-4192
lmartinez@waubonsee.edu

Sherri Wick
Waubonsee Works Career and Workforce Advisor
(630) 906-4107
swick@waubonsee.edu