CareerLink performance manager David Taylor told the McLean County Board on Tuesday that federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds administered locally helped dozens of McLean County residents earn industry credentials and move into higher-paying jobs — but that the program faces short-term risk if a federal shutdown continues.

Taylor said CareerLink and its partners helped 19 adults from McLean County complete training in program year 2023, with 16 of those earning college degrees and 13 becoming nurses. He said the cohort’s first-year cumulative earnings were about $745,000, or roughly $40,000 per person, and that many graduates leave training with little or no student loan debt because CareerLink grants cover tuition, fees and support costs.

The presentation matters because local WIOA investments directly fund training pathways for low-income adults, dislocated workers and youth. Taylor told the board that CareerLink’s goal is to move people “from poverty to middle class,” and he highlighted partnerships with Heartland Community College and Illinois State University that supply much of the training.

Taylor described program outcomes and the specific supports CareerLink provides: individualized career planning, tuition and credential funding (he said the board allows up to $22,000 per customer), travel and childcare expense coverage, and an uncommon policy that permits participants to retain Pell Grant funds to cover living costs while CareerLink pays education costs. Taylor said 86% of adult customers earned an industry-recognized credential systemwide and that 91% of those who exited the program found work that exceeded negotiated wage goals.

Taylor also flagged immediate funding uncertainty. “We have funds to last another, 2 weeks or so,” he said, warning the board that if a federal shutdown continues the office — a federally funded program — may have to begin laying off staff even while CareerLink seeks to keep students enrolled.

Board members asked no questions after the presentation. County materials accompanying the presentation identify CareerLink as the local workforce board for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act area 15 and list a staffed public resource center at 705 East Lincoln Street in Normal.

Taylor closed by urging use of the CareerLink website and local career planners for residents seeking training, and by thanking the board for the opportunity to present.

A copy of Taylor’s three-page performance handout was provided to the board as part of the meeting packet.