About Us
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.
Our Values
Collaboration
We strategically engage a variety of local, regional, state, and national partners in workforce and economic development to ensure program effectiveness. The breadth of these activities allows us to connect businesses and individuals to a wide array of resources.
Dignity of Work
We believe in the value of work and the mutually beneficial impact that it has on individuals and the companies that employ them. We support investment in human capital as a means of strengthening local communities and the regional economy.
Equity
We intentionally acknowledge systems of oppression when providing the resources and supports people need to reach their full economic and human potential. We actively work to eliminate disparities people experience based on race/ethnicity, disability, background, gender, age, sexual orientation, or economic and educational status. We partner with employers who share our belief and are committed to the idea that all residents of our region can achieve a meaningful career that provides family-sustaining income.
Financial Responsibility and Stewardship
As stewards of public, private, and philanthropic funds, we ensure effective and efficient management of our resources to achieve the maximum returns on investment and greatest impact on the business or individual served.
Innovation
We design and implement initiatives that result in dynamic outcomes for businesses and job seekers alike. We seek creative solutions to current and future workforce development challenges..
Quality
We commit to continuous improvement. We aspire to a standard of excellence that ensures the delivery of high caliber services for all stakeholders while identifying opportunities for further growth.
Transparency
We clearly communicate our expectations, policies, and processes to stakeholders and partners. We openly and publicly share the results of our initiatives.