About the Alliance

The Emerging Workforce Alliance is a dynamic network within the Peoria Regional Workforce Alliance committed to preparing the next generation of talent in Greater Peoria. With a shared vision of equitable access to opportunity, we focus on connecting youth and young adults to high-quality career pathways that lead to sustainable, meaningful employment in our regional economy.

By bringing together educators, employers, community organizations, and youth-serving partners, the Emerging Workforce Alliance is working to strengthen career awareness, expand experiential learning, and align education with the evolving needs of our local industries.

What We Keep An Eye On

Career exploration and awareness efforts in K-12
Enrollment in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs
Dual credit and dual enrollment participation
Work-based learning opportunities for students
Career pathway alignment with high-demand sectors
Equity in access to early career experiences
Youth engagement and retention in the region

Current Initiatives

Pathways to Prosperity

A coordinated regional effort to build seamless transitions from high school to college to career, focusing on in-demand industries such as healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing.

Career Spark & Work-Based Learning Expansion

Partnering with Junior Achievement and local employers to bring hands-on, immersive career experiences to thousands of students across the region each year.

Industry-Connected Classrooms

Collaborating with SkillsUSA, regional CTE instructors, and employers to strengthen classroom-to-career connections through competitions, mentorship, and industry-aligned instruction.

Cross-Sector Partnership Building

Working with EdSystems NIU and the Illinois Success Network to ensure that regional efforts are data-driven, equitable, and scalable through tools like the Success Network CTE Dashboard.

PaCE Framework Adoption

Supporting school districts in building and implementing Illinois’ PaCE (Postsecondary and Career Expectations) frameworks using shared essential skills rubrics.

CareerSpark Expansion

Enhancing and growing CareerSpark, an annual hands-on career expo introducing 8th graders to careers in 16 national pathways.

High School Internships

Developing regional internship models supported by employers, particularly in healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.

Early College Credit

Increasing opportunities for students to earn college credits and industry credentials before graduation.

Pathway Endorsements

Helping high schools offer endorsed career pathways under the state’s College and Career Pathways model.

Earn and Learn Articulation

Bridging the gap between K-12, postsecondary education, and career entry.

Regional Data Infrastructure

Establishing shared systems for tracking outcomes and student progress.

Notable Partners