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August is a month of new beginnings, from back-to-school milestones, fresh career starts and our Inaugural Golf Outing on August 22!
In this issue, we’re celebrating transformation, opportunity, and the power of community. You’ll meet career seekers rewriting their futures, explore how our evolving network better serves you, and discover events and initiatives designed to help individuals and businesses grow. Let’s move forward, together.
| | | The Partnership's Network at Work | | Tee Off for a Cause: Join Us at Our Inaugural Golf Outing on August 22 | | |
The Partnership is proud to host our first-ever golf outing this August—a day of connection, celebration, and community impact. This event brings together workforce leaders, employers, and supporters who are united by a shared mission: creating meaningful career opportunities throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County.
There’s still time to make a difference on and off the course. Join a growing community of champions by registering to golf at the event.
Sign up today and help drive change, one swing at a time!
Proceeds will support The Partnership’s work connecting career seekers to life-changing employment and training programs and employers to ready-to-work local talent. Huge thank you to our sponsors:
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Workforce Visionary Sponsor:
Western Governors University
Career Pathway Builders’ Sponsors:
Michael Charles Hilson, GBG, Inc.
Fifth Third Bank
Opportunity Champion Sponsors:
All Pro Truck School
ScaleLIT
Lewis University
Alliant Insurance Service, Inc.
Beverage Sponsor:
Jason Spigner
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Fuel The Fairway Breakfast Sponsor:
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
On The Green Luncheon Sponsors:
For Good Advisory, LLC.
Symbol Training Institute
Golf Cart Sponsors:
Superior Home Care Service, LLC.
Eli Cheesecake Company
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
Just Act Partners
| | Preparing for Workforce Development Month | | |
As we look ahead to Workforce Development Month in September, now is the time to start planning how we’ll shine a light on the people, programs, and partnerships driving economic opportunity across Chicago and suburban Cook County.
At The Partnership, we know that workforce development isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement. Every day, we connect jobseekers to career pathways, support businesses in building strong teams, and invest in innovative solutions that grow our regional economy. Workforce Development Month gives us the opportunity to highlight these efforts, celebrate their impact, and engage our community in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re an employer partner, training provider, community organization, or advocate for equitable access to opportunity for all, we invite you to begin thinking now about how you’ll get involved. Stay tuned for ways to participate, amplify your story, and join us in recognizing the power of workforce development throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Let’s get ready to celebrate the work, and the workers, that make our communities thrive.
If you’ve got a workforce development hero you think deserves a shout out in the September issue of In The Works, send information about them our way! Email communications@chicookworks.org with the subject line Workforce Heroes 2025.
| | Back to School, Forward in Life: Shunion’s Second Act in Tech | | |
At 58 years old, Shunion S. made the bold decision to go back to school—not to teach, but to transform his future.
After being laid off from his position as a middle school technology teacher, Shunion faced the uncertainty of financial instability and career setbacks. The pattern of being let go at the end of every semester took its toll, and he knew something had to change. He found the support he was looking for through The Partnership, our network and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act-funded programs.
Through the program, Shunion received funding to enroll in the A+Net and Security Technology Training Program at Computer Training Source. With determination and drive, he earned certifications in Security+ and AWS Cloud Practice—two powerful credentials that opened new doors in the technology sector.
Today, Shunion is applying for information technology roles that match his upgraded skill set and is already landing interviews. With guidance from his Business Account Executive and career coach at The American Job Center in Harvey, operated by E&ES, he is building a path toward a more stable and rewarding future.
Shunion’s journey reminds us that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Sometimes, the most important lessons, and the most rewarding careers, begin when we choose to start again.
| | A Stronger Network, a Clearer Path Forward | | |
Along with a refreshed website, a new logo, and an evolved brand voice, The Partnership also revisited the way we describe the centers in our network, making it easier for career seekers and businesses to understand which center is the best fit for their needs.
Our network includes approximately 70 community-based organizations across Chicago and suburban Cook County, most of which are known as American Job Centers.
We welcome two members of our network as new managers of affiliate AJCs located on a City College of Chicago campus: Equus Workforce Solutions as the new manager of our affiliate AJC at Kennedy-King College and SERCO Inc. as the new manager of our affiliate AJC at Malcolm X West College Campus!
The American Job Centers in our network centers are grouped into four categories:
Comprehensive American Job Centers
These locations offer the full range of career, training, and business services. On-site support includes all required Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners, such as the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Veterans Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and more.
Affiliate American Job Centers
These centers provide many of the same services as Comprehensive AJCs. While they may not include all on-site WIOA partners, they do offer extensive support for workers, youth, and employers.
Affiliate Youth-Only American Job Centers
Designed specifically for young people, whether in or out of school, these locations offer targeted career and educational services. Though public resource rooms or job readiness workshops may not be available, dedicated staff are there to guide youth toward success.
Specialized American Job Centers and Sector Centers
These centers focus on the needs of dislocated workers, youth, or targeted industries. They offer specialized services that may not be available at other types of AJCs.
To explore the full list of American Job Centers and find the right one for you, view our updated Network Directory or visit our website at Find a Center.
| | Back to School, Back to Your Future | | |
August is more than a return to classrooms—it’s a time to recommit to growth, purpose, and possibility. That’s why The Partnership is launching our Back-to-School Workforce Campaign, empowering young adults and career transitioners to take meaningful steps toward lasting success.
Pursuant to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements, occupational training is offered free through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) to regional career seekers. ITAs are tuition vouchers that cover the cost of obtaining industry-recognized credentials, certifications, or degrees from providers in The Partnership’s network.
Depending on the field, ITAs can fund up to $8,000 in tuition. Over the past year, The Partnership invested over $19.1 million in training and issued more than 2,800 ITAs. Of those who received an ITA and exited the program, over 77% completed training, and 86% secured employment.
Through hands-on training programs, personalized career coaching, and direct connections to employers, The Partnership helps people of all ages build valuable skills and gain the experience they need to thrive.
Whether you're finishing school, changing careers, or starting over, this is your season to invest in your future.
Build skills. Gain experience. Find your path.
Let’s turn this season of learning into a lifetime of earning.
Explore your opportunities at levelupajc.org.
| | Celebrating Black Business. Strengthening Our Economy. | | |
August is Black Business Month, a time to honor the strength, creativity, and economic contributions of Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago and suburban Cook County.
The Partnership proudly supports Black entrepreneurs, employers, and career seekers who are building a more inclusive and resilient regional economy. Our network offers workforce solutions to help Black businesses grow, supporting everything from launching a business and expanding a team to connecting with local talent.
Discover how we can support your journey at chicookworks.org.
| | Equal Voices, Equal Futures: Women's Equality Day | | |
On Women’s Equality Day, August 25, we honor the strength, ambition, and leadership of women in every part of the workforce.
The Partnership is proud to support woman career seekers, job creators, and change-makers—because advancing gender equity means investing in stronger families, businesses, and communities.
At The Partnership, we live what we lead. We believe in equality for all and our own staff numbers show that every day. Our organization has a more than 90% retention rate, with more than 65% of our staff identifying as female.
If you have amazing women in your workforce development circle, remember to send them a note on August 25th in recognition of Women's Equality.
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From Connections to Careers:
Career Connector Continues to Deliver
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In June, our Career Connector Hiring Event brought together hundreds of career seekers and dozens of employers and resource partners from across Chicago and suburban Cook County. Attendees connected with hiring managers, explored training opportunities, and took real steps toward their next career move—all in one high-energy, supportive space.
And we’re doing it again this September!
This event is designed to make meaningful matches and open doors, perfect for those launching their careers, exploring new directions, or seeking to hire skilled, local talent.
Don’t miss it.
| | A Second Chance, A New Purpose | | | | |
Ronnie Flowers once lived in the shadows of addiction, lost in despair and disconnected from his purpose. A retail theft conviction led to a two-year sentence, but the real transformation began when he joined Drug Court and entered a 12-step program. There, recovery became more than abstinence, leading to real healing, accountability, and connection.
Returning home was daunting, but with the support of The Road Home Project at Phalanx Family Services—a member of our network—Ronnie stayed the course. He faced housing and job challenges, but never gave up. He earned his Commercial Driver’s License and has remained drug-free ever since.
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Now, Ronnie gives back; he is a builder and volunteer—proof that people can change when given the tools, time, and trust. To others still struggling, he says: take the first step. Help is out there.
Ronnie isn’t just surviving. He’s come home—to himself, his purpose, and his community.
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August 6 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
August 6 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
August 7 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
August 7 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Excel Basics Part 3 (Virtual Workshop)
August 13 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Participants are asked to register at least 24 hours in advance.
More workshops are available throughout the month!
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Share In The Works
As a current subscriber, you know In The Works is sent at the beginning of every month, and is packed with valuable resources, inspiring success stories, and a list of no-cost workshops in the Chicagoland area.
If you know someone who would benefit from receiving In The Works every month, share the link below!
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Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Website | |
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