Elevate Program

Illinois workNet has many tools for young adults to explore careers and resources!

📍Check out this article for setting goals!

https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Youth/Pages/Goals.aspx

Youth Guide

Reminder for anyone feeling behind: There’s no deadline for building the career you want.

The region is full of people who:
• switched careers
• started learning later
• earned certifications after years in another field
• took a nontraditional path

Your timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid.

Through the Elevate Program at The Workforce Connection, Jada was able to complete a paid Work Experience Internship at Athletico Physical Therapy, as she aspires to become a physical therapist.

Jada shared the following thoughts about her overall experience:
“My experience with the Elevate Program and at Athletico Physical Therapy has been nothing short of amazing. Having the opportunity to be a part of the internship program has made me 100% sure that I want to pursue a career in physical therapy. The people that I have worked with have really made this experience worthwhile. I have learned so much from everyone and they treated me like someone who has been part of the team for a long time. The environment is very welcoming and full of laughter and fun. The patients I get to interact with have also been truly amazing and friendly. I have learned that all parts of my internship are important from cleaning equipment and folding towels, to being able to do things a real physical therapy aide would do, such as take calls, set up a patient's exercises, and even help the patients with some of the exercises. I am truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity and I know I am set up for success in the future!”

Jada is attending Marquette University in the fall to continue her path to becoming a physical therapist. We are so proud of her!

Hiring event tomorrow!

Tomorrow: RHA Annual Job Fair is May 28, 2026 (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) at 223 S. Winnebago Street, Rockford. Employers hiring now + career resources. Bring your resume. https://bit.ly/4tdF6y1

Hiring event coming up!

Job Seekers!🎉

Join us for 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿!

Ready to make an impact and jumpstart your next career move? Join us for Goodwill's Caffeinate Your Career, featuring 06ENV Environmental Services and Quality Solar.

Event Details
• Date: May 27, 2026
• Employer Pitch: 10:00–10:45 AM
• Job Fair: 10:45–11:30 AM
• Location: Goodwill Mission Services Building / 850 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL

Don’t miss this chance to explore exciting career pathways and connect with a top employer, right here in Rockford.

at Boone County Conservation District!

Lead Counselor - Camp Redwing - The Workforce Connection The lead counselor is responsible for the environmental education, the recreational activities, and the safety of assigned group of children, aged between 4 to 15 years, during each camp week. […]

RAMP is hosting Camp RAMP: Building Skills for the Real World — a FREE youth leadership camp designed for youth with disabilities ages 16–22 this summer!

Join us for Camp RAMP: Building Skills for the Real World — a FREE youth leadership camp designed for youth with disabilities ages 16–22!

Campers will explore future careers, connect with the Rockford community, work on projects, build life skills, hear from guest speakers, and gain real-world experiences in a fun and supportive environment.

When: July 27–30, 2026
Where: 202 Market St., Rockford, IL

Spots are limited and applicants should apply by July 1st! Reasonable accommodations can be requested through registration.

Register here: https://ow.ly/kXxo50Z1HsF