FAQs – Zeta Career Academy

• Is this program for Kankakee County residents only?
  • Yes, participants must have a residential location in Kankakee County, Illinois.

 

 Is Zeta Career Academy for women only?

• • The Zeta Career Academy is offered to women and men.

 

• What are the age requirements for participation?
  • Participants who register must be of high school graduation age up to 24.

 

• If I am employed, do I still qualify for the program?
  • Yes, the program serves individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.

 

• If I am a current student, do I qualify for the program?
  • To qualify for the program, applicants cannot be enrolled in school at the time of the start date of the program.

 

• Do I have to apply to participate?
  • Yes, those interested in participating in ZCA must apply, and be accepted into the program.

 

• How do I apply to be a participant?
  • The enrollment application will open on March 17, 2024, following the scheduled ZCA orientation session.

 

• Is attendance at the orientation mandatory for participation?
  • Orientation attendance is not required, but highly recommended.

 

• How many people will be accepted into the 2024 ZCA?
  • ZCA 2024 will accept up to 40 participants.

 

• How will ZCA determine which applicants will be accepted into the program?
  • All applications will be qualified based on the qualification criteria. Of those who qualify, slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to the application date.

 

• Do I have to attend all the training sessions?
  • Attendance of all three training sessions, in their entirety, is mandatory for successful completion of the program.

 

• If I cannot attend either of the training sessions in person, may I attend virtually?
  • All training sessions must be attended in person. Virtual attendance options will not be available.

 

• Do I have to participate in the community service event?
  • Participation in the community service event is optional but highly encouraged.

 

• Will I receive a scholarship if I attend?
  • Those who successfully complete ZCA, and submit all the required documents (in their entirety), will be approved as a scholarship recipient.

 

• How much are the scholarship awards?
  • Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 per participant.

 

• Am I eligible for scholarship funding if I plan to attend a vocational or trade school (as opposed to a college or university)?
  • Yes, scholarship funds can be applied to vocational or trades career pathway options.

 

• How many college or vocational classes must I be enrolled in to qualify for the scholarship?
  • Student enrollment must be the equivalent of a part-time course load (as per institutional guidelines.)

 

• When will the scholarship funds be released?
  • Following receipt of all required documents, scholarship funds will be released approximately 30 to 60 days following the student’s post-secondary education enrollment.

 

• I have plans not to enroll in post-secondary education immediately after high school. Will I still qualify for a scholarship?
  • To qualify for the current year’s scholarship award, participants must enroll in post-secondary education on or before January 31 following the final training session of the current year’s cohort. Failure to enroll before January 31 will result in forfeiture of scholarship funds.

 

• Aside from scholarship eligibility, are there any other program benefits?
  • ZCA offers several benefits to its participants including career pathway guidance; workplace engagement coaching; credentialing strategies toward supporting career pathway options; financial coaching to compare career pathway options to the desired quality of life; foodservice provisions at all training sessions; a $100 successful completion stipend; transportation allowance to offset transportation to training sessions; post-program mentorship options, and more.