Initiatives
AARP Foundation Back To Work 50+
The Back to Work 50+ Program is for unemployed and underemployed people aged 50 and up who want to gain confidence, skills, and explore opportunities needed to successfully compete in today’s job market. Provides individualized career counseling, job coaching, and skills development. For more information, call 855-850-2525.
Resident Employee Services
Career services for Chicago Housing Authority residents and voucher holders that include coaching, digital literacy, training and support in navigating federal workforce program options. For more information, text “CHA” to 474747.
Chatham Education and Workforce Center
This 11,000 square foot state-of-the-art workforce/training center opens to the public this month, featuring a Maker Lab, flexible space for use by community groups, dedicated classrooms, office space and access to all of The Partnership’s programming and services. The center is made possible through the generosity of Steve and Jessica Sarowitz with additional sponsorship offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, ComEd, Uber, Verizon, and Fifth Third Bank. For more information, email mwalton@chicookworks.org
Chicago Codes
Full-time, 10-week coding bootcamp designed to meet the growing need for computer programmers in Chicago and create a pipeline for tech firms to access local Black and Latinx talent.
More info: chi.codes
Chicago COVID Contact Tracing
Earn and learn program with 600+ jobs designed to combat the spread of COVID-19 and bring economic and workforce development to communities hard hit by poverty and pandemic.
More information: chitracing.com
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training And Placement Program
The Partnership received $4 million from Cook County in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The support comes as part of the Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program, to provide training, placement, and lay-off aversion for suburban Cook County jobseekers and employers impacted by COVID-19.
More information: chicookworks.com/countycares
Coordinated Reentry Council and Pilot Program
In collaboration with the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, The Partnership recently concluded eight months of convenings for the Coordinated Reentry Council which resulted in recommendations for five systemic changes to the region’s reentry system. Included within this effort is a two-year pilot program to serve 150 returning citizens with pre- and post-release career services and other holistic resources. For more information, email RoadHome@chicookworks.org
ConstructionWorks Powered by Illinois Tollway
Construction initiatives include recruiting, training, and placement opportunities for populations that are underrepresented in Illinois’ high-demand skilled trades occupations.
More information: tinyurl.com/ctaatccwp.
Opioid Emergency Grant
Addresses the need for substance use disorder treatment professionals, and training/employment supports for people impacted by the opioid epidemic. The program recruits, trains, and hires jobseekers for this role. For more information, email communications@chicookworks.org
OpportunityWorks
Career exploration and subsidized internships in high-growth, high-demand sectors for young adult job seekers in Suburban Cook County communities impacted by poverty and structural racism.
More information: bit.ly/OppWorksApp.
Youth Workforce Development Portal
A website dedicated to youth career exploration resources created in collaboration with Road Trip Nation. Young adults can learn about the region’s high growth, high demand careers and access training opportunities. Resources include a work-based learning curriculum focused on career exploration and expanding social capital.
More information: roadtripnation.com/workforce/Chicago
Virtual Job Club
The Job Club is a four-week job readiness program. Participants receive workshops in areas such as labor market research, career planning, interview styles, and personal branding. Transportation aid is provided.
More information: https://rebrand.ly/JobClub