about the issues

Women Employed promotes access to high-quality postsecondary education and job training programs so that all women can succeed. We do this by working with policymakers, education providers, and our volunteer Action Network to:

Ensure high-quality postsecondary education programs
High-quality postsecondary education, such as occupational bridge programs, can help prepare women to obtain and succeed in higher wage careers. Women Employed's Illinois Career Pathways Initiative seeks to ensure that students can successfully move through college-level programs and into good jobs.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) has provided immediate opportunities for WE to advance the skills and opportunities of women and low-income people in the workforce. It is providing resources to expand education, training, and other programs that lead to better quality, better paying jobs that will help rebuild our economy and strengthen our workforce system for the future. Learn more about Women Employed's Recovery Act goals and strategies.

Increase access to supports that help women succeed in education and training
Women Employed works to expand state and federal funding for financial aid, child care, and career and academic counseling. These educational supports are crucial for low-income students who face barriers to completing their education.

The Clear Connections Project helps community colleges improve at-risk students’ success with innovations in student supports such as advising and career counseling. 

Adult students are often the lowest-income students, but seldom receive a fair share of financial aid. Student Advocates for Success gives adult students the tools to make their voices heard where it matters most. Join and take action today!

Read about our vision for a financial aid system in Illinois in which every adult has the opportunity and the resources to achieve a college degree. 

Build career development programs that help women find better paying careers
Strategies for Success is designed to help more low-wage workers or job seekers find a best-fit career and learn strategies to move toward that career over time, including preparing for and completing education and training.

This work is made possible in part by support from The Joyce Foundation.