'WE' Foundation To Offer Scholarships to Non-Technically Minded ETHS Students

Hecky Powell and The Forrest E. Powell Foundation have announced the launch of a new non-profit organization, the Evanston WE (Work Ethic) Program specifically designed to help career and technically-minded Evanston Township High School students with professional prep, certification, and career placement. The Evanston WE Program will provide 1:1 mentoring, career-readiness workshops, and financial aid access.

Hecky Powell, Founder of the WE program says, “For years, The Forrest E. Powell Foundation has honored Evanstonians with The Work Ethic Award and provided scholarships to students pursuing training for the career and technical fields. This program takes our mission even further with a step-by-step workshops, mentorship, and work experiences that really give students the support they deserve from high school to training to career placement. Engage. Educate. Employ. That’s what The Evanston WE Program is all about.”

Evanston WE Program will collaborate with strong community partners including ETHS, Oakton Community College, Y.O.U. and the Youth Job Center to identify students and deliver programs. Already, the WE Program has negotiated scholarships that will make several career and technical degrees accessible and highly affordable. Students are inducted their junior year of high school and matched 1:1 with a career related mentor. They will participate in a supportive and sequential curriculum of career readiness seminars and apprenticeships. Candidates may attend community college, vocational school, trade school, apprenticeship or short-term training programs such as automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary, healthcare or manufacturing.

“Several programs exist to help college-bound students, and we think that’s really great,” says Nancy Baker, Executive Director of the Evanston WE Program. But what happens to the significant percentage of ambitious students who pursue careers that don’t require a 4-year degree? We believe that all ETHS students with goals deserve support and mentoring to reach their full potential. And if we can keep their talent right here in Evanston, that’s even better news for everyone.”

Online applications are now available on the Evanston WE Program website: www.evanstonwe.org. Hard copies are available at Hecky’s Barbecue, 1902 Green Bay Rd., Evanston, through the City of Evanston Youth Outreach, and Evanston Township High School Career & Technical Education Department. Applications with all completed materials are due Friday, Oct. 14.

For questions or additional details, contact Nancy Baker: nbaker@evanstonwe.org

Pictured: Hecky Powell with Nancy Baker, Executive Director, 'We Foundation'.