Northwestern University

03/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2026 11:17

Evanston residents can access tuition-free career training

Evanston residents can access tuition-free career training

Learn more about how to apply at March 18 webinar through Northwestern - National Louis partnership

Media Information

  • Release Date: March 12, 2026

Media Contacts

Hilary Hurd Anyaso

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern is partnering with National Louis University (NLU) to host a virtual information webinar where interested Evanston residents can learn more about NLU's Accelerate U program, which provides accelerated training opportunities in high-demand fields.

The webinar will take place Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. and provide an overview of the program, career pathways, eligibility requirements and the application process on their Zoom channel.

Through a partnership between Northwestern, the Ryan Family Workforce Development Initiative and NLU, Evanston residents can access tuition-free accelerated career training pathways in the following fields:

With an application deadline of April 1, the upcoming cohort for Accelerate U begins on April 8, and only nine slots remain for Evanston residents.

The six-month program offers tuition-free training, college credits, wraparound support services and connections to local employers. Evanston residents who are accepted into the program receive a $1,500 stipend to cover transportation and other related expenses.

"This partnership enables us to meet Evanston students where they are and move them quickly into careers and on to a path to a college degree that can change lives," said Thackston Lundy, vice president of Workforce Pathways-Accelerate U at National Louis University. "Together, we're reducing barriers and expanding opportunity."

The Ryan Family Workforce Development Initiative, led by Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, is committed to creating sustainable career pathways for Evanston residents seeking meaningful employment without requiring a four-year college degree.

To apply for one of the remaining slots, please visit Accelerate U's website.

Northwestern University published this content on March 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 12, 2026 at 17:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]