UNITED FOR GREATER IMPACT (UGI)
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS
United for Greater Impact (UGI) Workforce Programs, an initiative of United Way, is designed to strengthen economic stability and prevent households from falling into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In Macon County, United For ALICE data consistently shows that more than 1 in 3 households are living at or below the ALICE threshold, meaning they are working but still unable to afford basic household necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare.
UGI focuses on proactive intervention through job readiness, career training, and upskilling opportunities that increase earning potential and long-term financial resilience. By connecting individuals and families to education, workforce development, and supportive services, UGI helps stabilize working households, reduce financial volatility, and prevent the downward cycle into poverty.
HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS
A cornerstone of DCLI’s approach is preparing students not just for careers, but for real life. To bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, the Institute provides meaningful internship opportunities that combine professional training with financial education.
Students participate in an eight-week paid internship related to their chosen field, gaining meaningful hands-on experience and exposure to the real-world workforce. Internships are funded by the Institute and offered through carefully selected community partners committed to providing substantive training and responsibilities. Students also take part in financial literacy and personal development workshops. For many participants, this is their first substantial paycheck, making budgeting, saving, and understanding long-term financial habits an essential component of the program.
This summer internship program for high school students requires an eight-week commitment, with interns working 25 to 35 hours per week. In addition to their worksite responsibilities, students must attend weekly professional development and financial literacy sessions. The program’s goal is to provide valuable work experience, help students build transferable skills, compensate them fairly for their time, and ensure they learn by actively contributing to an organization.
Participating organizations and businesses:
Central Illinois Media Group, Children's Museum of Illinois, City of Decatur, Crossing Healthcare, Decatur Fire Department, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur Park District, Decatur Police Department, Decatur Public School District #61, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospitals, Macon County Conservation District, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Millikin University, Northeast Community Fund, Rotalby’s Nursing Institute, state and local lawmakers, United Way of Decatur & Mid Illinois, Workforce Investment Solutions
If your business would like to learn more about becoming a DCLI Community Partner, contact us.
UGI Workforce (Ages 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 (Ages 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.
UNITED FOR GREATER IMPACT (UGI)
WORKFORCE PROGRAMS
United for Greater Impact (UGI) Workforce Programs, an initiative of United Way, is designed to strengthen economic stability and prevent households from falling into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. In Macon County, United For ALICE data consistently shows that more than 1 in 3 households are living at or below the ALICE threshold, meaning they are working but still unable to afford basic household necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare.
UGI focuses on proactive intervention through job readiness, career training, and upskilling opportunities that increase earning potential and long-term financial resilience. By connecting individuals and families to education, workforce development, and supportive services, UGI helps stabilize working households, reduce financial volatility, and prevent the downward cycle into poverty.
HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIPS
A cornerstone of DCLI’s approach is preparing students not just for careers, but for real life. To bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, the Institute provides meaningful internship opportunities that combine professional training with financial education.
Students participate in an eight-week paid internship related to their chosen field, gaining meaningful hands-on experience and exposure to the real-world workforce. Internships are funded by the Institute and offered through carefully selected community partners committed to providing substantive training and responsibilities. Students also take part in financial literacy and personal development workshops. For many participants, this is their first substantial paycheck, making budgeting, saving, and understanding long-term financial habits an essential component of the program.
This summer internship program for high school students requires an eight-week commitment, with interns working 25 to 35 hours per week. In addition to their worksite responsibilities, students must attend weekly professional development and financial literacy sessions. The program’s goal is to provide valuable work experience, help students build transferable skills, compensate them fairly for their time, and ensure they learn by actively contributing to an organization.
Participating organizations and businesses:
Central Illinois Media Group, Children's Museum of Illinois, City of Decatur, Crossing Healthcare, Decatur Fire Department, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur Park District, Decatur Police Department, Decatur Public School District #61, Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospitals, Macon County Conservation District, Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Millikin University, Northeast Community Fund, Rotalby’s Nursing Institute, state and local lawmakers, United Way of Decatur & Mid Illinois, Workforce Investment Solutions
If your business would like to learn more about becoming a DCLI Community Partner, contact us.
UGI Workforce (Ages 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 (Ages 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.