The Skills Enhancement Program is a locally designed workforce development program that assists working, income eligible individuals obtain the skills needed to compete for living wage jobs. The program assists with tuition, books, and training-related transportation and child care costs that participants could not otherwise afford.

RKCAA Awarded $25,000 Grant from Racine Community Foundation to Expand Skill Enhancement Program

Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency (RKCAA) is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Racine Community Foundation in support of our Skill Enhancement Program—a workforce development initiative designed to help working, income-eligible residents in Racine and Kenosha counties advance into higher-wage, sustainable careers.

The Racine Community Foundation is a powerful force for good in our community, investing in people and nonprofit partners who deliver measurable impact. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, their commitment to opportunity, and their belief in RKCAA’s mission.

About the Skill Enhancement Program
RKCAA’s Skill Enhancement Program supports working adults who are striving to move forward—helping participants obtain the education and credentials needed to compete for living-wage employment. The program serves eligible residents whose annual income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines, and participants must be working at least 20 hours per week while enrolled in training.

To reduce barriers and support successful completion, the program can assist with tuition, books, and training-related expenses, including transportation and childcare costs. Training pathways include in-demand fields such as Clinical Nurse Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Education Assistant, Entry-Level/Social Work, Auto Diagnostic Technician, and Auto Service Attendant and more.

What this $25,000 grant makes possible
This investment strengthens RKCAA’s ability to:

  • Expand access to training and credential pathways
  • Reduce financial barriers that prevent working adults from completing education
  • Support participant success through completion and job advancement
  • Increase economic stability for individuals and families across our community

Powered by strong local partnerships
RKCAA is proud to partner with local higher education institutions, including Gateway Technical College, UW–Parkside, Bryant and Stratton, Herzing University, UW Parkside, and Carthage College, ensuring training aligns with workforce needs and leads to credible, career-connected outcomes.

Watch: Skill Enhancement Program in Action

We extend our sincere thanks to the Racine Community Foundation for investing in pathways to opportunity. Together, we are building a stronger workforce and a stronger community—one career pathway at a time.

Ronald Tatum

Chief Executive Officer

Program Details

Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency offers the Skills Enhancement Program to residents of Racine and Kenosha counties whose incomes are at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines. To be eligible, participants must be working at least 20 hours a week while enrolled, and must pursue training for occupations that pay a living wage and typically offer employer-sponsored health insurance.

Skills Program

Our Skills Enhancement program offers opportunities in the following fields: clinical nurse assistant, licensed practical nurse, education assistant, entry level/social worker, auto diagnostic technician and auto service attendant.

$10.50/hour x 30 hrs/week x 52 week. Annual Income $16,380.

$27.85/hour x 37 hrs/week x 52 week. Annual Income $53,583.40 plus benefits. (After 24 months enrolled in the program.)

$11.00/hour x 40 hrs/week x 36 week. Annual Income $15,840.

$18.37/hour x 40 hrs/week x 52 week. Annual Income $38,209.60.

$10.00/hour x 37 hrs/week x 52 week. Annual Income $19,240.

$14.00/hour x 37 hrs/week x 52 week. Annual Income $29,120.