Ald. Emma Mitts, Community Groups and Uber Launch Initiative to Recruit 10,000 Drivers in Chicago
Push to Connect Chicagoans on South and West Sides to Flexible Earning Opportunities
CHICAGO, IL – Chicago Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), Uber Regional General Manager Andrew Macdonald and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership today announced a new push to create 10,000 driver jobs in Chicago communities over the next year.
Working with local organizations from Austin, Garfield Park, Auburn Gresham, Chatham and other south and west side neighborhoods, Uber will host a series of driver recruitment events to educate people about how to become a driver on the Uber platform and connect them to the opportunity.
“Creating more economic opportunities in our neighborhoods is essential to building a better Chicago for everyone,” said Ald. Emma Mitts (37th). “Working together, we can change lives by connecting people to flexible earning opportunities that are ready and waiting.”
More than two million rides take place on the Uber platform each month and more drivers are needed to meet rising demand. Ridership on the city’s west side has more than doubled over the last six months, and is growing even faster on the south side.
“One out of every two Uber rides begins or ends in an underserved area,” said Andrew Macdonald, Uber Regional General Manager. “We are committed to making transportation reliable in every neighborhood. As ridership grows on Chicago’s west and south sides, people who live in the community can earn money by helping their neighbors get to where they’re going.”
This initiative will connect people to the flexible earning opportunity that Uber offers driver-partners, where they can be their own boss and choose their own hours.
“More job-seekers are embracing their entrepreneurial skills” said Phaedra M. Leslie, Chicago Cook Workforce Development’s Director of Business Relations and Economic Development. “This is an opportunity to empower individuals who are motivated and qualified to work with Uber’s innovative business model”.
In addition, riders will also have the chance to donate part of their Uber ride this week to support community efforts that expand economic opportunity. For every rider that enters the promo code LISC2015 in their app and takes a ride Wednesday, July 1, Uber will donate $1 to LISC Chicago, a leading nonprofit that works to improve Chicago neighborhoods.
Learn more at the Uber blog: t.uber.com/Chicago10kPartners
About Uber
Uber is a technology platform that is changing the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in over 300 cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer. Follow us on Twitter: @Uber_CHI and find us on Facebook: Uber.
Upcoming Driver Recruitment Events
Each session will consist of an Uber presentation, a Q&A session, and time for participants to meet with Uber representatives 1-on-1 to apply to partner with Uber or to upload their documents and advance their application. All events will be open to the public. Participants may RSVP at t.uber.com/Chi10000. The first few sessions are listed below.
Wednesday, July 8th
9-10:30A, 1-2:30P
Southwest Workforce Center
7500 S Pulaski Rd, Building 100
Chicago, IL 60652
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Friday, July 17th
9-10:30A, 1-2:30P
Garfield Workforce Center
10 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
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Tuesday, July 28th
9-10:30A, 1-2:30P
Pilsen Workforce Center
1700 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608
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Tuesday, August 4th
9-10:30A, 1-2:30P
Mid-South Workforce Center
4314 S Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60653
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