National Louis University’s Recently Launched Accelerate U Extension in Evanston Still Has Spots Remaining for Local Participants Until End of January
To spur area workforce development, a first-of-its-kind, affordable, rapid training program – one that has already provided more than 800 individuals across the Chicago area with a path to full-time, living-wage jobs launched in Evanston this fall thanks to a generous gift from the Ryan Family Foundation.
CHICAGO (Dec. 16, 2025) – National Louis University (NLU) today announced that it is seeking additional participants for its recently launched Evanston extension of its Accelerate U program in Evanston, IL. through the end of January.
The Evanston extension of NLU’s Accelerate U program was launched as part of the Ryan Family Workforce Development Initiative, a citywide effort created by Northwestern University and funded through a grant from the Ryan Family Foundation. Designed to expand access to high-quality workforce pathways for Evanston residents, the initiative brings together partners including NLU, Northwestern University, The Trade Collective, the Youth Job Center, and Per Scholas to provide local high school graduates a pathbreaking “job-first higher education” option.
“We created Accelerate U to meet the needs of learners who may not be ready or able to pursue a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree but want to get a good job quickly and build their skills. Now, thanks to the Ryan family and Northwestern eligible residents in Evanston also have direct access to our Accelerate U program,” said Thackston Lundy, Vice President of Workforce Pathways-Accelerate U. “More than 75% of those that have completed Accelerate U have secured a full-time job within six months and seen an average increase of almost $13,000 in immediate earnings. In addition, Accelerate U learners earn college credit they can apply to a degree when they’re ready.”
The program’s first-of-its-kind, affordable and rapid training experience includes an industry-recognized credential and a path to a full-time, living-wage job immediately. Some 800 Chicago area individuals have participated in Accelerate U since its inception in the summer of 2021, which typically takes about six months to complete and can cost participants who are eligible for Pell and Illinois Monetary Award Program grants as little as $0 out-of-pocket. It includes a combination of online coursework, in-person classes and “Skills Labs” as well as coaching by career and alumni coaches, plus it provides work-based learning opportunities and access to NLU wraparound services such as academic support and more. Currently, Accelerate U’s offerings are focused on training participants for the in-demand fields of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Registered Behavior Technician and IT Support Specialist.
“The Ryan Family Workforce Development Initiative is about creating real pathways to opportunity for Evanston residents,” said Dave Davis, Senior Executive Director for Neighborhood and Community Relations at Northwestern University. “Thanks to the Ryan Family Foundation’s visionary investment and the strength of our partners, we’re helping people move quickly from education to employment in fields that offer stability, dignity, and long-term economic mobility.”
Eligible local residents who are interested in applying for the Evanston extension of Accelerate U are welcome to fill out an online form found here or can contact Joshua Washington at jwashington29@nl.edu to learn more.
“This is the time of year when many begin to ponder their career options and we want to make sure that every Evanston community member doing this right now, as well as their family members, teachers, friends, coaches, school leaders, pastors and others whom these individuals turn to for advice, have Accelerate U on their radar,” said Lundy. “In just a few short months an individual can transform their life by learning new skills that will boost their income, get access to a career pipeline with employers they may not be able to connect with otherwise and gain college credits, all potentially with no out-of-pocket cost.”
For more information about NLU’s Accelerate U program or the newly launched Evanston extension please visit nl.edu/accelerateu.
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About National Louis University: National Louis is a nonprofit, non-denominational university focused on preparing the diverse workforce of tomorrow and widening access to quality educational and career opportunities for all learners. NLU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a wide variety of fields, serving approximately 13,000 students annually at locations in Illinois and Florida as well as online. Visit nl.edu for more info.
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