Created in 2012, The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is an umbrella organization operating the public workforce system in the City of Chicago and Cook County.

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is the non-profit umbrella organization that operates the largest public workforce system in the country. As the designated administrator of federal workforce development funding for the City of Chicago and Cook County, The Partnership oversees a network of more than 90 community-based organizations, American Job Centers, satellite sites, and sector-driven centers.

The Partnership began in July 2012 with a $3 million cash advance on a $30 million budget. Since then, the non-profit has grown from an organization with a sole focus on federally funded workforce programs to one with a diverse portfolio of 26 initiatives representing corporate and philanthropic funds topping more than $149 million in non-federal workforce development funding investments. On average, we help place 7,000 to 10,000 residents in permanent employment each year. Since its inception, The Partnership has helped place approximately 100,000 individuals in permanent employment; collaborated with more than 2,000 employers; and administered more than $471 million in federal and philanthropic funds.

 

Every person has the opportunity to build a career; every business has the talent to grow and compete in a global economy.
To create, promote, and effectively manage a network of workforce development organizations that:
  • Design innovative solutions to address business needs; and,
  • Prepare individuals for and connect them to career opportunities.