Revolution Workshop Empowered to Help Connect Black and Latinx Workers to Quality Jobs as Chicago Prepares to Put Federal Infrastructure Dollars to Work We're humbled to receive grant support to help expand workforce training and increase access to inclusive employment opportunities. CHICAGO – As the Chicago region prepares for an influx of federal resources to recover from the pandemic and modernize our infrastructure, seven grants worth $2.5 million will create a more inclusive workforce by preparing and connecting Black and Latinx workers with the quality, resilient employment opportunities that will be created as the region prepares to put federal funding to work. The grant funding is part of We Rise Together: For an Equitable and Just Recovery’s work to accelerate equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will allow nonprofit partners to provide workforce training, job training and support services that will eliminate barriers to Black and Latinx people seeking employment. According to ESMI data, 57% of skilled-trade workers in the Chicago region are nearing retirement. Several of the grants will be used to prepare Black and Latinx workers to enter the trades, which will be in increasing demand as Chicago is poised to receive nearly $1.4 billion in federal infrastructure funding over the next several years. “With the influx of federal resources to make critical investments in our infrastructure we have an opportunity to eliminate barriers and pave a path to a more inclusive and thriving workforce,” said Gloria Castillo, director, We Rise Together: For an Equitable and Just Recovery. “Increasing access to education, skills development, and career advancement will broaden opportunities for workers of color to contribute to and benefit from our recovery efforts.” Grant funding will support the following initiatives:
We Rise Together is a coalition of corporate and philanthropic funders who have committed more than $46 million to support equitable economic recovery in the Chicago region. More than $18.6 million in grants have been distributed to invest in disinvested neighborhoods, strengthen employment opportunities, and support Black and Latinx businesses. To see a complete list of supporters and learn how individuals and organizations can contribute, visit wrtogether.org. About We Rise Together We Rise Together: For an Equitable and Just Recovery is a coalition of corporate and philanthropic funders working with the community to accelerate an equitable, economic recovery in the Chicago region. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how chronic disinvestment exacerbated health and economic risks and left communities of color uniquely vulnerable. In response, this five-year initiative, which began in 2020, is making grants, transforming business practices, and changing policies to support investment in disinvested neighborhoods, strengthen Black and Latinx businesses, and increase quality, resilient employment. For more information, visit www.wrtogether.org and RevolutionWorkshop.org Comments are closed.
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