YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s new high-tech job training program for women to launch in January

To further expand its job training programs for women in vulnerable populations, YWCA Evanston/North Shore will launch YWeb Career Academy in January 2021.YWeb Career Academy, which will be conducted in partnership with Oakton Community College, is a 12-week intensive training program that will prepare women for success in technology jobs by equipping them with marketable skills including web development and design.The free program, which is supported through a grant from Google.org, will also include wraparound services such as housing and childcare assistance and job placement.“Women are underrepresented in tech, particularly women of color,” said Shannon Callahan, director of women’s leadership and economic advancement at YWCA Evanston/North Shore. “The goal of YWeb Academy is to provide digital skills to women of color and women in vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence and low-wage workers. We encourage women who fall into these categories to apply.”Those interested in YWeb Career Academy can register to attend virtual information sessions on December 8 from noon to 1 p.m., December 9 from 6-7 p.m., and December 10 from 9-10 a.m. Registration information is available at www.ywca-ens.org/yweb.Said Callahan, “At YWCA Evanston/North Shore, economic empowerment for women is central to our mission because it gives women agency over their own lives.”As part of its economic advancement programs, YWCA Evanston/North Shore offers financial education programs for women and families. In 2019, the organization also launched YW Culinary, a job-training program that prepares low- to moderate-income women for jobs in the food service industry.Additional information about YWeb Career Academy and YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s economic advancement programs can be found at www.ywca-ens.org/womens-empowerment.