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 Two 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.
Local Impact of WIOA Funded Programs: More than 4,500 Customers Served
Youth
Dislocated Worker
Adult
Source: FutureWorks BI; Data derived from the USDOL National Public PIRL; October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025
