Workforce Development - Peoria Park District

Most people think of the Park District as a home to spaces and places focused on improving physical and mental health but education has been a hallmark of District programming and is highlighted by our support of GED education in the 61605 zip code, as well as quality out-of-school programming that features STEAM and life skill training.

We believe that you can be anything.. and we’re here to help you do it!

Building on the success and reach of its Be Anything! effort at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, the Peoria Park District is committed to empowering and inspiring people to find a career that is fulfilling and engaging through a comprehensive workforce development continuum. From the PlayHouse to internships for high school and college students to GED education supports for learners of all ages, Be Anything! encourages us all to follow our interests and find our potential. This proactive approach not only instills a belief that we can “be anything” but also equips us with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue our dreams.

Learn about our Be Anything! Event

Moonlight Mission Statement: By focusing accessible education opportunities in the 61605 region, Moonlight helps to re-emphasize the importance of education and literacy. With a GED, residents who are unemployed or underemployed currently will be able to access higher paying jobs, increasing their economic stability and by association, that of the targeted neighborhood.

The Moonlight Coalition for Adult Learning was originally established in 1994 to provide organized activities for young members of the community to combat juvenile delinquency and prevent crime. Organized sports like basketball were combined with GED instruction as a way to break down barriers for those who thought formal education wasn’t accessible or “cool.”

Today, Moonlight focuses on providing easy access to GED education for those seeking to earn their high school diploma. In direct contrast to other programs that only take new students at the beginning of each semester and that are located outside of local communities, Moonlight focuses on providing accessible, open education opportunities, reaching those in need of support in the communities where they live and work. At this time, Moonlight provides GED and adult literacy education to adults ages 17 and over at Proctor Recreation Center and Logan Recreation Center.

Open enrollment is one of the keys to our success. You can drop in to a class at any of the times listed below without needing to register or pay a fee. In fact, there is no cost at all to attend these classes and all supplies are provided.

Proctor Recreation Center is located at 309 S. DuSable, Peoria, IL 61605
Logan Recreation Center is located at 1414 S. Livingston, Peoria, IL 61605

For more information about the program, please reach out to Hedy Elliott-Gardner at [email protected] or call (309) 673-9183.

We are also accepting donations. Please make donations payable to Moonlight Coalition. Mail checks to 1125 W. Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.

We believe that you can be anything.. and we’re here to help you do it! The Peoria Park District is committed to empowering and inspiring its youngest patrons through a comprehensive workforce development continuum. By providing exposure to various careers through our Be Anything event at the PlayHouse, followed by educational opportunities and active engagement through our Internship Program, the initiative lays a strong foundation for children to explore their interests and potential. This proactive approach not only instills a belief that they can “be anything” but also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue their dreams. The Park District’s commitment to nurturing diverse talents and aspirations is a commendable investment in the future success and fulfillment of the community’s youth.

Be Anything!

We take pride in preparing local high school and college students for the workforce of the future, exposing them to a rich set of career options and transferable soft skills. Below are our current internship opportunities.

Current Internship Opportunities

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