Program Description
As the front door to The Partnership’s network, AJCs connect people, businesses, and communities to possibilities.
Rooted in neighborhoods across Chicago and suburban Cook County and part of a powerful public workforce system, the Centers provide career seekers with personalized guidance, skill-building resources, and connections to real opportunities. For employers, AJCs are strategic allies offering access to local talent, hiring support, and workforce training incentives that strengthen entire industries.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, with those dollars administered regionally by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCEO) and guided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), AJCs reflect our commitment to equity for all, access, and community investment. The Partnership proudly leads Local Workforce Investment Area 7, Illinois’ largest, as the designated recipient of workforce development funds for Chicago and suburban Cook County.
The Four Types of AJCs in Our Network
Comprehensive American Job Centers: These AJCs provide a full array of employment and training related services for workers, youth and businesses. These locations include the mandatory Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners on-site, such as Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Veterans services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and more.
Affiliate American Job Centers: These AJCs provide more limited, but still extensive, employment and training related services for workers, youth, and businesses than the Comprehensive AJCs. These locations do not include all the mandatory Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners (i.e., Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, IDES) on-site.
Affiliate Youth-Only American Job Centers: These AJCs provide career and educational services to in and out of school youth. These sites may not have public resource rooms or job readiness workshops.
Specialized American Job Centers and Sector Centers: These AJCs focus on serving specific needs, such as those of dislocated workers (those who have lost their jobs), youth, or key industry sectors, and may not offer all the services of a Comprehensive or Affiliate AJC.
Local Impact of WIOA Funded Programs: More than 5,000 Customers Served
Youth
Dislocated Worker
Adult
Source: FutureWorks BI; Data derived from the USDOL National Public PIRL; Program Year 2023 Q4 Release; Report Period ending June 30, 2024
