Community Partnerships Empower Illinoisians Through Education
Op-ed by Jurea Crudup, CEO of Awaken Foundation L3C published in the Rockford Register Star
Achieving career goals takes more than just passion — it requires infrastructure, support systems, and access to education that removes barriers and empowers individuals to succeed. At the Awaken Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how limited economic opportunity can stifle ambition and threaten independence—but through targeted investments and strong partnerships, we can drive meaningful change.
The Awaken Foundation works to close economic gaps in Winnebago County through career readiness programs, wraparound services, and education. In a county with one of the lowest median household incomesin Illinois, we believe workforce education is a powerful tool to strengthen our local economy and uplift our communities. That’s why innovative public-private partnerships are more critical than ever —especially in times of uncertainty, fiscal constraint, and limited resources from state and federal funding.
Most recently, we partnered with Molina Healthcare of Illinois to launch a hands-on culinary training programthat prepares Illinoisans for culinary careers through apprenticeship. These programs work; nationally, apprenticeships have been shown to increase earnings by nearly 50% among individuals who completed one.
The impact on our community is already clear. Graduates of the program have gone on to earn jobs at the Hard Rock Casino, gained recognition for their skills at local markets, and even applied their training in innovative ways—like preparing healthy meals for seniors as part of in-home care. We also celebrated a senior in the community who completed the program after seeking a career change – a powerful reminder that you can turn to education for empowerment at any point.
Beyond the classroom, students receive vital support such as stipends, housing assistance, and assistance navigating challenges like childcare and transportation. One student secured housing and childcare during her time in the program, while another student received housing letters and support regaining his driver’s license, helping both students navigate and overcome barriers to success. It’s these relationships with health care and community organizations that help us promote equity and improve access to economic opportunities for all Illinoisians, empowering community members with the skills needed to achieve independence.
This is what an equity-centered workforce strategy looks like — one that aligns with strategic goals around economic mobility, community health, and workforce development. As lawmakers consider how to balance the state budget, we urge continued investment in apprenticeship and job training programs and stronger support for community-based partnerships, like the one demonstrated through our work with Molina HealthCare of Illinois, that are already delivering results.
The Awaken Foundation is proud to be part of the solution. Our program is built on passion, dedication, and hands-on experience. Education empowers, and together, we can ensure all Illinoisians are equipped to make their dreams a reality. With the right partnerships and continued public support, we can ensure every Illinoisan has a pathway to a stable, meaningful career.