City Colleges of Chicago was awarded $5.5 million in grants from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) as part of ICCB’s Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI), which focuses on improving workforce equity starting in fiscal year 2020 in at-risk communities. Kennedy-King College, Olive-Harvey College and Malcolm X College each received $1.5 million, and Wright College received $1 million. The objective of the grant is to offer more students the opportunity to quickly complete short-term certificate programs that lead to employment in high-skilled, high-wage, and in-demand occupations to further promote workforce equity for African Americans in Illinois. The grant funds will be used to offer students opportunities to earn an industry-recognized credential and/or certificate (credit or non-credit) and take advantage of financial supports and last-dollar scholarships. The colleges and programs awarded by the state target the city’s South and West Side communities.