Education and Workforce Center in Hanover Park is ready to serve

What began as a discussion about the needs of a local community has turned into a multi-partner community center that offers education and employment services free of charge to area residents.

The Education and Work Center (EWC) is a collaborative partnership between Elgin Community College, Harper College, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the Village of Hanover Park, and the State of Illinois. The purpose of the EWC is to expand educational and employment opportunities to residents of Hanover Park-a community facing numerous challenges, including a high unemployment rate, an increasingly diverse population, limited transportation services, and division into multiple counties, townships, school districts, and community college districts.

Previously, area residents were required to travel quite a distance to access education and employment services in surrounding areas. Now, by combining resources, the partner agencies were able to come together to jointly provide services in Hanover Park. Services include classes in basic reading, writing, math and English, and preparation for the GED® exams in both English and in Spanish, unemployment programming, and general college transition services. Through these services, we hope to prepare residents for college-level instruction and/or employment in family-sustaining jobs.

The EWC is designed to serve individuals who are 16 and over who have less than a high school equivalency in the United States. Daytime and evening classes are available in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic and Secondary Education (GED), with Spanish GED classes available in the evening. The on-site Illinois workNet Center offers assistance with preparing for and identifying job opportunities and links individuals with other necessary community resources in the area.

To register for classes, individuals should call 630-634-7400 or stop by the EWC at 6704 Barrington Road in Hanover Park. EWC hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

WorkNet hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m-5 p.m. To register for classes, individuals should bring a photo ID, a letter of separation from high school (only for those 16-17 years of age), and proof of public assistance; L.I.N.K. or medical card (only for those receiving public assistance).