About

The IT Workforce Accelerator is a collaboration of industry, education, community-based, and other stakeholders developing an information technology (IT) workforce ecosystem in Central Illinois to meet high-demand workforce needs.

The Accelerator is funded by a three-year, $15 million grant from the United States Economic Development Administration.

Bradley University is a partner in the grant and offers three workforce development pathways: microcredentials in Healthcare IT and Computer Programming, and talent pipeline programs in the Trades and a high school STEM summer camp.

To mitigate barriers to equity and success, all microcredentials and programs are offered at no-cost to eligible participants. Bradley University’s Continuing Education Division also provides free laptop loaners to learners enrolled in the programs.

In collaboration with its higher education partners Illinois Central College and Eureka College, the Accelerator will place or retain 1,000 individuals in quality jobs, filling nearly 40% of projected three-year IT job openings in Central Illinois.