Center of Excellence in Business (COEB)

Kye-Anne Wilborn

Dean, Center of Excellence in Business

The COEB in Business at HWC strives to provide academic programs and pathways across all disciplines. Guided by our goals of entrepreneurship, and professional services for students aiming for both four-year institutions and/or high demand careers.

The Center of Excellence in Business at Harold Washington College is closely aligned with the college mission of providing liberal arts and sciences and continuing and professional education opportunities. Our Center focuses on business, entrepreneurship, and professional services, and it is guided by our principles of quality, innovation, partnerships, access, and equity. We provide quality academic programs and pathways across all disciplines that allow students to transition to both four-year institutions and/or high-demand careers.                                               

 

​​DEGREE PROGRAMS
Click here to Apply 
Accounting                               

 
​Accounting Clerk 
​Architecture
​Banking 
​Business/Economics 
​Business/Finance 
​CPA Preparation 
​Cybersecurity 
​Digital Marketing and Social Media 
​Digital Multimedia Design 
​Human Resources 
​Insurance 
​Management/Marketing
​Music Business 
​Music Technology 
​Paralegal
​Web Development 
Business Apprenticeship Program

AIG: The AIG apprenticeship program will help you build your knowledge and gain hands-on experience with AIG and the insurance industry. Click here for more information.

 

ABOC (Amalgamated Bank of Chicago): The ABOC Apprenticeship program places students on the institutional side of business, preparing them for a career in the financial services industry. During this one-year rotational apprenticeship, participants will acquire transferable skills such as organization, leadership, analysis, and more to help find the right fit for post-graduate employment. Click here for more information.

 

AON:  The Aon Apprenticeship Program will provide students valuable real-world work experience as a professional within the financial services arena while simultaneously attending courses at Harold Washington College. Click here for more information.  

                      

Citi: The Citi apprenticeship is aimed at first-year students to work alongside investment bankers. Click here to apply.​    

                    

ICATT German Chamber of Commerce: This 2-year program that offers a sponsored college education and hands-on experience in a professional business environment trains and coaches students in all aspects of business administration. Click here to view the flyer and Click here for more information.

 

Parker Dewey: Parker Dewey offers the largest network of highly motivated college students and recent graduates who are excited to complete short-term, paid professional assignments. While executing these Micro-Internships, Career Launchers demonstrate their skills and grit and exceed expectations as they seek the right full-time role or internship. Click here for more information.         

         

Ryan Specialty: The two-year apprenticeship will include day-to-day administrative responsibilities and a wide variety of entry-level HR work that will include some project-based assignments, online training, and sessions on several topics that are intended to help all of our interns learn more about both HR and the insurance industry. Click here​ for future opportunities.

 

Zurich Ins: This two-year apprenticeship program lets you earn a degree and launch a career with one of the largest global providers of insurance solutions to businesses and individuals. The program allows students to earn their associate’s degree, tuition support, and full-time pay with benefits. Click here for more information.     
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Harold Washington College is a Certified Training Provider for the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a law which provides training for people who are out of work, or whose skills need improving in order to obtain a new job. You must be determined eligible in order to receive WIOA funds. Harold Washington College offers training programs, but does not determine if you qualify for WIOA training funds. ​

For more information regarding the WIOA program in Illinois, log on to the Illinois Workforce Development System.

Click here to visit The WIOA: Harold Washington Page​

        

 

​​NON-DEGREE PROGRAMS
​​Continuing Education​

  • ​​​Continuing​ Education non-credit courses are available for students seeking personal and/or professional development. 
  • Non-credit courses designed for students with varied educational backgrounds and academic goals.
  • Innovative and non-traditional courses and programs in traditional and customized timeframes.
  • Offered in the evenings, on weekends, and in intensive workshop, formats to attract students who want to earn industry certifications or take classes for personal enrichment or recreational purposes.
  • Click here​ for more information​​​​
​TechQuity Program 

  • ​The purpose of the TechQuity grant is to provide students with guided career tracks that lead to high-wage, in-demand careers that directly prepare and respond to employer partner needs.
  • We will soon be offering the Data Analytics Bootcamp+ Certification and the Securities Industry Essential (SIE) Bootcamp+ Certification!
  • Fill out the TechQuity Interest Form Click here​! so we can keep you up to date about upcoming opportunities.​

 
​Leadership and No Blame Problem Solving

Citizens Campaign Logo2

Are you frustrated with government? Are you worried about the political blame game and the inability of leaders to keep pace with pressing problems? This course will teach you the ten steps of No-Blame practical problem-solving, proven successful in the venue of local government. This method has been applauded by respected government and business leaders alike for its applicability in all venues. You will also learn how to get in the game of government problem solving. Learn the rules of the game, the positions you can take, and how to score with proven solutions. Learn your legal rights to participate as a citizen leader.                          

About the course                         

 

  • ​Self-Guided, complete the course at your own pace
  • Course is free and open to the public
  • Get in the game of government decision-making
  • Be introduced to a successful practitioners’ method called No-Blame practical problem-solving.
  • Earn a leadership certificate!    

 

After completing this course, you will be able to:                         

 

  • ​Evaluate solutions to determine if they are practical, evidence-based, and cost-effective
  • Use No-Blame Problem Solving in professional contexts such as government, the corporate world, nonprofit advocacy, and/or your personal life
  • Recognize your right to access public records and participate in government decisions at local power centers
  • Identify roles you can take in your city to offer solutions and leadership without running for office

Click here to register.                        

 
​Year Up 

 

Year Up’s mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain                        

the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential                        

through careers and higher education.                        

What is Year Up?                         

Year Up Chicago is a one-year workforce development program for urban young adults ages 18–24. Year Up Chicago graduates                         

enroll in a degree program at any of the seven City Colleges.                        

Year Up Prior Learning Assessment Policy                         

Click here to Apply.                        
​10KSB

 

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. To date, more than 9,700 business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states in the US, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Through the program, you will gain practical skills across topics such as financial statements negotiation, marketing, and employee management, and gain the tools to develop a customized business plan for growth—for free.                        

Click here to Apply.                          

 
                

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GRANTS​
​Perkins Grant

 

The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic knowledge, technical and employability skills of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in programs of study. This Federal act was established to improve career-technical education programs, integrate academic and career-technical instruction, serve special populations, and meet gender equity needs                     
​Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Grant

 

JTED provides an opportunity for innovative education and occupational training with work-based learning to support regional and local economic development for businesses and individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Application Link Coming Soon!            

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Faculty and Staff

 

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