ADULT PROGRAMS
DCLI supports adult programming not only to strengthen workforce outcomes, but also to educate and engage the broader community in ways that build long-term resilience and trust. In addition to workforce development programs like United for Greater Impact (UGI), DCLI offers community education programs that reflect DCLI’s broader commitment to serving adults through both workforce development and civic education—ensuring residents are not only economically supported, but also informed, engaged, and connected to the systems that shape their community.
UGI Workforce (18-24)
UGI Workforce, a United for Greater Impact initiative, partners with Workforce Investment Solutions to expand summer internship opportunities and extend year-round employment for a select group of qualified participants. This program provides young adults ages 18–24—including those facing significant barriers to employment—with paid work experience, career training, and structured support designed to build long-term workforce success.
Participants gain access to employment, education, training, and support services that help them succeed in the labor market while also assisting local employers in hiring and retaining skilled, prepared workers. Through on-the-job training with local employers, combined with mentorship and career readiness programming—including goal setting, financial literacy, and professional development—participants gain real-world experience, build self-awareness, and strengthen workplace skills.
By connecting young adults to meaningful employment and practical guidance, UGI Workforce empowers participants to launch sustainable careers, develop confidence, and contribute to the local economy as skilled, engaged professionals.
UGI ALICE (25+)
UGI ALICE is designed to support adults ages 25 and older who are currently living paycheck to paycheck or are underemployed, with the goal of helping them move beyond financial instability and into long-term economic security. Through a focus on workforce development and skill-building, the program provides targeted upskilling opportunities aligned with in-demand careers, along with pathways to increased wages and career advancement.
In alignment with United Way’s United for Greater Impact initiative and in partnership with Workforce Investment Solutions, UGI ALICE also expands access to employment opportunities and supportive services that help participants remain stable and employed. Participants receive individualized support, including career coaching, financial literacy, and wraparound services designed to remove barriers to success.
Through meaningful employment connections, training, and holistic support, UGI ALICE strengthens workforce participation, improves job retention, and creates measurable positive outcomes—helping individuals achieve greater financial stability, independence, and upward mobility within the local economy.
DCLI Non-residential cna program
The Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) offers an 8-week, non-residential Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed for adults ages 18 and older. The non-residential program was created to meet the growing demand for additional programming from community partners, as well as the increased demand for healthcare workers. The program also provides individuals in the non-skilled workforce with a chance to change the trajectory of their lives by earning a high-demand certification and entering a field with endless opportunities. To date, DCLI has produced another 20 certified nursing assistants over the age of 18.
Participants receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to prepare for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) CNA competency exam with fees provided by the Institute. Upon successful completion, the DCLI team continues to support participants in accessing employment at local healthcare providers. DCLI also works with those who have successfully completed the program to continue their educational journey.
DCLI Phlebotomy Program
Interested in a healthcare career that puts you on the front lines of patient care? The Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) partners with Midwest Technical Institute to offer a five-week Phlebotomy Program for high school graduates 18 and over interested in pursuing this in-demand field.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or donations—an essential skill in hospitals, clinics, and labs. The program offers participants classroom instruction, hands-on training, and exposure to real-world laboratory and clinical environments. Graduates leave prepared to pursue careers as phlebotomy technicians, a growing healthcare profession with strong employment opportunities and competitive wages.
Participants must be 18 years or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Participants must also have up-to-date immunization records, a negative TB (tuberculosis) test, and a Hepatitis B waiver or proof of the vaccination series. While a phlebotomist certification is often not required to perform the responsibilities of a phlebotomist, DCLI believes that the national certification creates a tangible outcome for participants and creates an opportunity for mobility and employment stability for those that choose to pursue the certification and pass the exam.
MEN IN HEALTHCARE
Men in Healthcare is an initiative through the Dawson Civic Leadership Institute focused on increasing male representation in the healthcare workforce while creating new career pathways for underemployed individuals in the community.
Men remain significantly underrepresented in many healthcare professions, particularly in patient care and support roles. This program works to address both workforce shortages and unemployment by connecting participants with accessible, short-term certification opportunities that can lead to stable, meaningful careers in healthcare.
Through partnerships, mentorship, and workforce development support, participants can explore training opportunities in fields such as phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs. The initiative also emphasizes leadership development, career readiness, and long-term advancement within the healthcare industry.
By removing barriers to entry and expanding access to training, Men in Healthcare aims to strengthen the local workforce, support economic mobility, and encourage more men to pursue careers dedicated to serving and caring for others.
DCLI Community Public Safety Academy
The mission of the Community Public Safety Academy (CPSA) is to educate and engage residents of Macon County by providing access to the resources, knowledge, and services that support public safety, community well-being, and resilience. Through structured, hands-on learning and guided dialogue, CPSA seeks to develop informed citizens who strengthen community partnerships and contribute to a safer, more connected civic environment.
CPSA is an eight-week immersive program for adult residents, featuring guided tours of the sheriff’s office, jail, dispatch center, and fire department. The program facilitates direct interaction with public safety professionals, working to remove barriers, clarify misconceptions, and enhance mutual understanding between agencies and the community.
Upon completion, graduates serve as ambassadors for public safety, helping to advance constructive relationships and greater public awareness by sharing the knowledge and perspectives gained through their participation in the Academy.
Nominations for Cohort 3 of the Community Public Safety Academy may be submitted by committee members or any individual wishing to self-nominate. Candidates must live and/or work within Macon County, be 21 years of age or older, have no prior felony or serious misdemeanor convictions (i.e., domestic battery, sex offenders, firearms, etc.), must consent to a criminal record check, agree to attend all sessions with no more than two (2) excused absences, and sign waiver of liabilities as needed.
