Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

What a remarkable celebration of perseverance, determination, and achievement! Our graduates proved that it’s never too late to pursue your goals and create new opportunities.

Congratulations to the GED Class of 2026! We are proud of your hard work, resilience, and success. This is more than a graduation; it’s the beginning of new possibilities.

A special thank you to the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for supporting pathways to education, career growth, and economic opportunity. Together, we are helping build brighter futures and stronger communities.

Thoughts on Pride Month from our Associate Director of Program Performance, Carly B.:

“Being q***r is as natural to me as breathing. It’s not something I have to “try” at, despite what some may believe. What does take effort is standing up for the right to be treated with dignity—to be seen, respected, and valued as fully human. It’s holding onto the hope that one day our community will no longer have to fight for the right to exist authentically, both in our daily lives and in the face of policies that can threaten our ability to participate fully and equally in society.

For me, Pride Month is both a time of reflection and celebration. It carries a sense of grief—for those who did not make it, for those who continue to face persecution, and for those who carry the weight of deep and lasting scars. At the same time, it is a celebration of resilience: of the stories we tell, the barriers we break, and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically in a world that doesn’t always make space for that truth.

Working at The Partnership reinforces what Pride represents at its best. It’s a place that recognizes the strength found in diversity and the power of our individual lived experiences. Our differences are not just acknowledged—they are valued as essential to who we are and how we serve our community.

This Pride Month, and every month, I’m grateful to be part of a space that encourages authenticity and belonging. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be fully and unapologetically themselves! Happy Pride.” 🌈

Michael H. came to Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action Inc - PLCCA to build a stable career path.

Through a CEJA-funded program in The Partnership’s network, he is now gaining hands-on experience in solar panel installation and developing skills in the growing clean energy industry.

Michael says the encouragement and guidance he received from PLCCA staff helped him stay motivated and focused on his goals during challenging moments.

His journey is a powerful reminder of how the right support and determination can create new opportunities and lasting success.

Learn how you can find the right opportunity for you by visiting LevelUpAJC.org

This year’s Hospitality Hires Chicago was a tremendous success!👇

2,700+ pre-registrants
50+ ready-to-hire employers
5+ hours of on-the-spot interviews

If you’re looking to to launch your career, follow us for more hiring opportunities and visit LevelUpAJC.org

Edith G. was ready to take the next step in her construction career. Through ConstructionWorks, powered by the Illinois Tollway , and Midwest Business Consulting , a member of our network, she earned her Construction Safety Administrator Certificate Course.

In her own words: “My experience with ConstructionWorks has been incredibly positive. They’ve supported me in updating my resume and connecting with real job opportunities in my field. My case manager has been especially helpful, always responsive, encouraging, and genuinely invested in my success. Their guidance has made a real difference in my career journey."

Great job, Edith, in upskilling and advancing your career!

Looking to take the next step like Edith? We can help. Visit LevelUpAJC.org

Calling anyone interested in a career in healthcare!

Don't miss the Healthcare Industry Job Fair & Hiring Event hosted by The Partnership’s Healthcare Sector Center at the Blue Door Neighborhood Center on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Connect with top healthcare employers, including Northwestern Medicine , Sinai Chicago , and Alivio Medical Center , and explore opportunities for certified nursing assistants, receptionists, caregivers, technicians, physical therapists, and more.

Come prepared—you could land a job on the spot!

RSVP today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oeXLLz5TuEeM-VuK8uW-LwrxdBGWf-9PtiaS8ir-EuNUQUdKS0tCM0kzU1g0Q05KUzFOTUcwMExWNy4u&origin=QRCode

Jaekob I. is an example of how intentional support and perseverance can lead to meaningful career stability.

He enrolled in the Social Enterprise Program at Revolution Workshop, a member of our network. Revolution Workshop empowers people with skills needed for a career in the construction industry.

Through this program, Jaekob received consistent income while working -— on a house renovation as well as other community projects — which helped him pay his bills while gaining new skills. The program is intentionally designed to remove the pressure of “rushing into the next job” by offering a stable, supportive work environment.

Jaekob worked closely with employment coaches on resume development, interview preparation, and goal-setting. His dedication paid off: Today, Jaekob is thriving as a Production Operator.

Bravo, Jaekob. Your dedication is inspiring!

Are you seeking a similar career path? We can help. Visit LevelUpAJC.org

Our next Workforce Innovation Board Meeting is Tuesday, June 16.

The meeting will be held in-person at the Harold Washington Library.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://chicookworks.org/event/workforce-innovation-board-meeting-23/

What is ConstructionWorks? 🚧

ConstructionWorks helps individuals launch careers in the heavy highway and related construction industry, preparing participants for roles like equipment operators, carpenters, and electricians.

Funded by the Illinois Tollway and administered through The Partnership’s network, the program provides free training, career coaching, and direct access to employers.

Since 2018, ConstructionWorks has served more than 1,400 participants with more than 550 career seekers starting training and of those who completed, about 350 landed good jobs!

Learn more: chicookworks.org/initiative/constructionworks