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Elite Employer of Choice

Investing in Youth, Building Tomorrow’s Workforce. Welcoming Fair-Chance Employers.

Since 2006, Elite Community Outreach has operated a one-of-a-kind, 12-week, boot camp–style job training program that prepares students to succeed in today’s workforce. Certified graduates complete training in effective communication, time management, professional dress, and the Elite Phrases for Success—developing the skills needed to thrive in any workplace.

 

Volunteer professionals—retired and active in fields such as law enforcement, human resources, healthcare, and more—carefully vet each participant over the 12-week period, ensuring that only the most motivated and disciplined students graduate.

 

These graduates, truly the “best of the best,” are connected with employers through Elite’s annual job fair and year-round placement. Elite proudly partners with fair-chance/second-chance employers, creating pathways for both high school youth and re-entry graduates to contribute to Peoria County’s workforce while helping businesses access motivated, job-ready talent.

A student receives information from a representative from the Illinois Department of Employment Security at the Elite Community Outreach job fair.

To ensure our Employers of Choice represent the highest standards, Elite partners agree to clear expectations. These criteria emphasize safe workplaces, fair wages, academic accountability, and meaningful opportunities for youth. They also include a commitment to fair-chance hiring, welcoming re-entry graduates and justice-involved youth into the workforce.

Criteria for Becoming an Elite Employer of Choice

Commitment to Youth Development

  • Demonstrate a genuine willingness to mentor, guide, and provide opportunities for high school–aged youth as they enter the workforce.
  • Encourage continued personal growth, education, and career development.

Safe and Supportive Work Environment

  • Provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace that aligns with Elite values.
  • Model professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Meaningful Employment Opportunities

  • Offer part-time, seasonal, or entry-level positions suitable for high school–aged youth.
  • Ensure tasks and responsibilities are age-appropriate, skill-building, and contribute to real career readiness.

Fair Wages and Compliance

  • Adhere to all local, state, and federal labor laws regarding youth employment.
  • Provide fair compensation for work performed.

Academic Accountability

  • Support and encourage students to maintain passing academic standards as a condition of continued employment.
  • Collaborate with Elite staff, when needed, to ensure students balance work and school successfully.

Employer Engagement with Elite

  • Attend the annual Elite Job Fair to recruit from the vetted pool of certified graduates.
  • Respond to candidate requests through the Volunteer/Employer page when seeking additional talent.

Partnership Standards

  • Agree to Elite’s vetting process and be approved by Elite Headquarters staff before being added to the Employer of Choice list.
  • Sign and uphold the Elite Employer of Choice Agreement, committing to Elite’s mission and values.

Positive Workplace Culture

  • Encourage open communication, teamwork, and accountability.
  • Value the unique skills, perspectives, and energy that Elite graduates bring to the workplace.

Fair-Chance Hiring Commitment

  • Consider qualified candidates with prior justice involvement on a case-by-case basis.
  • Provide transparent background-check communication and basic supervisor/mentor support.
  • Help create a pathway back into the workforce for re-entry graduates.

Note: Guidance provided is general and not legal advice. Employers are responsible for compliance with federal and Illinois labor laws.

Benefits for Employers

Unlock the Best of the Best

Access to Vetted Talent

Students complete a rigorous 12-week program; only the most motivated remain.

Work-Ready Certifications

Graduates are trained in communication, time management, dress, and workplace conduct.

Community Impact Through Fair-Chance Hiring

Show leadership by welcoming re-entry graduates and justice-involved youth into the workforce.

Stronger Retention

Elite graduates understand punctuality, accountability, and reliability.

Positive Attitudes

Students use the Elite Phrases for Success, boosting morale and customer service.

Exclusive Job Fair Access

Recruit directly from Elite’s top graduates at the annual event.

Year-Round Talent Pipeline

Access certified graduates anytime through the Volunteer/Employer portal.

Community Recognition

Employers are listed on Elite’s website as Employers of Choice.

Partnership with a Respected Nonprofit

Align with Elite’s mission of creating life-changing opportunities.

Workforce Diversity & Fresh Perspectives

Hire youth who bring adaptability, creativity, and fresh ideas.

Support for Academic Success

Students must maintain passing grades while working.

Become an Elite Employer of Choice

Get Started Today

Join a network of businesses investing in Peoria County’s youth and re-entry graduates. By applying, you’ll gain access to motivated, job-ready talent and demonstrate your leadership as a fair-chance Employer of Choice.

    Company/Organization Name (required)

    Primary Contact Person’s First Name (required)

    Primary Contact Person’s Last Name (required)

    Job Title of Contact Person (required)

    Phone Number (required)

    Email Address (required)

    Business Address/Worksite Location (required)

    Company Website or Social Media Link (optional)

    What types of part-time positions are available for high school students? (required)

    Typical work hours during the school year? (required)

    EveningsWeekendsFlexible

    Minimum age requirement for employment (required)

    Do you require prior work experience? (required)

    Are you prepared to provide on-the-job training? (required)

    What skills or qualities do you most value in a student employee? (required)

    Do you have mentors/supervisors available to support new workers? (required)

    Expectations for student employees regarding dress, professionalism, and conduct (required)

    Are you willing to adjust hours during school breaks? (required)

    If yes, maximum number of hours during breaks

    Do you have seasonal positions available? (required)

    Are you willing to attend Elite’s annual Job Fair? (required)

    Are you open to providing feedback to Elite about student performance? (required)

    Are you a fair-chance/second-chance employer? (required)

    Do you consider candidates with prior justice involvement on a case-by-case basis? (required)

    Briefly describe your background-check policy or guidelines (required)

    Why is your company interested in hiring Elite students? (required)

    Upload your company logo for Elite’s Employers of Choice website listing (required)


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    By partnering with Elite, you’re helping build a stronger Peoria County workforce and supporting second-chance opportunities for youth and re-entry graduates.

    Learn More About Elite