Program creates Chicago jobs
Posted on September 5, 2017
An intensive program is creating Chicago jobs.
Chicago Public Schools and JPMorgan Chase Foundation at mHUB congratulated 97 students who have completed an intensive seven-week summer job and skills training program designed to provide workplace skills and certifications in high-growth, high-demand industry sectors. This program and partnership is part of Mayor Emanuel and CPS’ commitment to increase opportunities for students to earn college, career and industry credentials that provide them with critical skills to bolster postsecondary success.
“This program provided our students with more than a job, it was a chance to learn valuable life skills that will help achieve postsecondary success,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I want to congratulate all of the kids who have graduated from this program for making the commitment and taking the opportunity to gain training in high-growth fields.”
The summer job and skills training certification program, in partnership with CPS and JPMorgan Chase Foundation, was launched in 2015 to provide opportunities for rising juniors, seniors and recent graduates to obtain certifications and workplace skills in high-growth, high-demand industry sectors. Since its inception, 289 students have participated in various certification program through this partnership.
“We’re providing our students with more opportunities to hit the ground running after graduation than ever before,” said CPS CEO Forrest Claypool. “By leveraging partnerships and building programs that provide real-world skills, we’re helping the next generation young Chicagoans prosper.”
This summer, students participated in certification training in health sciences, information technology, or manufacturing and were provided with the opportunity to earn the following industry credentials or certifications: IT – MTA HTML5 (Web Development), IT Essentials (Computer Networking) and Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Communications (Photoshop); Manufacturing – NIMS Machining Level 1; and Health Sciences – Phlebotomy and Basic Nursing Assistant.
“We know that we cannot take a one-size-fits all approach when it comes to student success, and that’s why we’re committed to providing a diverse array of opportunities to help more students gain skills and find their path,” said Chief Education Officer Dr. Janice K. Jackson.
Students also participated in work readiness training and participated in real-life, work-based experiences with companies in Chicago. Participating companies include: Chicago State University Computer Networking Department, Chicago Public Schools Networking and Web Development Departments, Imagen Marketing Consultants, McGrath Lexus, Merkle, Inc., South Shore Hospital and Winston & Strawn.
“JPMorgan Chase supports this program because it not only helps young people discover their talents and interest through summer employment, but also gives them the opportunity to develop marketable skills, attain employer-recognized credentials, and gain valuable professional experience,” said Owen Washburn, Vice President, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase. “The young Chicagoans completing this program are primed for future educational and career success.”