Earn a short-term career-focused certificate so you can get a better job quickly!

Free Certificates Programs and Stackable Credentials

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These free certificate programs offer qualified students the opportunity to earn short-term college or career certificates in the following programs. Once a student completes a certificate, they can petition to continue their education and stack credentials up to earning an Associates of Applied Science.

*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).

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What's Included?

All program costs are covered, including tuition, fees, books, and required supplies. You'll also receive individualized help and support from a Waubonsee Works Advisor, who can connect you with community resources, the GED® exam preparation program, and/or additional college classes and programs. Since long-term employment is the goal of the program, you'll also receive job search assistance, including help with your résumé and interview skills. Limited assistance with transportation and child care referrals is also available.

Who's Eligible?

To qualify for the Waubonsee Works Program:

  • You must be between 16 and 24 years old
  • Eligible to work in the U.S.
  • AND meet one of the following qualifiers:
    • Pregnant or parenting
    • Currently homeless or living somewhere temporarily
    • Have a disability
    • Qualify for public assistance
    • Dropped out of High School
    • Been subject to the justice system
    • Been in foster care
    • Facing a significant barrier to furthering your education or career


The Waubonsee Works Program is a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program funded through the Kane County Department of Employment and Education.

Confidential Waubonsee Works Interest Form

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The Waubonsee Works Program provides free tuition and books if you are interested in earning a High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) or a short-term certificate at Waubonsee Community College. Choose your program below to get started!
This is not the official Waubonsee Works application. The interest form is only used to verify eligibility.

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

Applying to the Waubonsee Works Program:

  1. Complete an interest form.
  2. Qualified applicants will be given a phone interview.
  3. Complete the New Student Information Form to receive an X-number (student ID number).
  4. Respond to every email sent from a Waubonsee Works staff member within 48 hours.
  5. Complete the WCC Works application, complete any required testing, and submit your eligibility documents to your case advisor.
  6. Obtain your Waubonsee Works Acceptance Email from your Waubonsee Works advisor. Follow the instructions outlined in the email.

Waubonsee Works Application Deadlines:

Students interested in taking summer courses must complete their application by March 15
Students interested in taking fall courses must complete their application by June 15
Students interested in taking spring courses must complete their application by November 15

Next Steps

  1. Complete your Waubonsee Works Questionnaire.
  2. Obtain a signed course approval form from your Waubonsee Works advisor.
  3. Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to review your course options and register for classes.

The Waubonsee Works Application includes:

  • WIOA application (provided by WCC Works staff)
  • Eligibility documents (license, social security card, birth certificate, high school diploma [other documents may be required])
  • College placement test results
  • Math and reading assessment (CASAS)
  • Career assessment (MyNextMove or Career Coach)
  • Applicant statement

Contact Waubonsee Works for more information

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

Hilario Fernandez
Career and Workforce Advisor
(630) 906-4107
hfernandez@waubonsee.edu

Lucero Martinez
Waubonsee Works Case Advisor - Health Care Programs
(630) 906-4192
lmartinez@waubonsee.edu