This is more than just education. It’s a second chance, a fresh start, a bridge to a future once thought impossible. Whether it’s mastering cutting-edge technology, shaping the world through skilled trades, or making an impact in healthcare, the opportunity is real. And for those ready to take the leap, the path forward has never been clearer.
The Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) is designed to equip students with high-demand skills—training that doesn’t just prepare them for work, but positions them for success in industries hungry for talent.
🔹 Mechatronics, a dynamic fusion of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, opens doors to careers in automation-driven industries where innovation is the norm. In a world increasingly shaped by robotics and smart technology, these skills are in demand like never before.
🔹 Welding, the backbone of construction, automotive, and manufacturing, remains one of the most vital trades. Through hands-on training, students master a craft that builds cities, cars, and industries—one weld at a time.
For those who thrive on innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on work, these courses aren’t just about training. They’re about transformation.
Not all heroes wear capes—some wear scrubs and work boots.
🔹 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training equips students with critical patient care skills, paving the way for fulfilling careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and private healthcare settings. For those drawn to compassion-driven work, this program offers the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
🔹 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) training introduces students to precision machining, a world where technology and craftsmanship collide. These skills power the manufacturing industry, ensuring that everything from medical devices to aerospace components is built with absolute precision.
With a growing need for skilled professionals in both healthcare and manufacturing, these careers offer more than just a paycheck—they offer purpose.
On April 3rd, 2025, inside the historic Nordlof Theatre, five extraordinary graduates will step onto the stage, their diplomas in hand, their futures wide open. Each of them once stood at a crossroads, unsure of where life would take them. Now, through education, resilience, and support, they’ve rewritten their stories.
This is what the ROSS program is all about—not just training, but transformation. With every graduate, a new success story unfolds, inspiring the next wave of students to take that first, courageous step toward a brighter future.
With new WEI courses launching soon, the ROSS program continues its mission: to uplift, empower, and open doors for Rockford Housing residents. The path to success is clear—but the journey starts with a single step.
For those ready to invest in themselves, to build not just a career but a future, the time to act is now.
Opportunity is knocking—will you answer?
Within 5 years the RHA will re-establish itself as high performing agency that is a leader in housing and sustainable communities by developing additional, non-HUD revenue streams, increasing our asset base and offering state of the art resident initiatives.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV): CLOSED
Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) Family: OPEN
Low-Income Public Housing (LIPH) Elderly/Disabled: OPEN