Mayor Johnson & World Business Chicago Champion Youth Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship

CHICAGO, IL – July 29, 2024 – World Business Chicago (WBC), the city’s economic development agency, continues to lead impactful initiatives that establish Chicago as a premier destination for job training, career opportunities, and entrepreneurship. With the recent announcement of PsiQuantum and other notable expansions and relocations, it is imperative that we prepare our youth today for the groundbreaking careers of tomorrow. In alignment with Mayor Johnson’s vision, WBC is focused on connecting local youth, ages 16-24, with meaningful career paths to transform our city’s future.

ThinkChicago NEXT 2024

On July 16, Mayor Johnson inaugurated ThinkChicago NEXT 2024, a multi-day career immersion and development experience designed to introduce local students to career pathways in Chicago’s dynamic business, technology, and startup ecosystems. In partnership with City Colleges of Chicago and the University of Illinois, ThinkChicago is WBC’s flagship talent program, emphasizing Mayor Johnson’s commitment to investing in the success of young people through meaningful career pathways.

From July 16-17, students engaged with leading technologists and innovators through company tours, career development workshops, and networking sessions. The ThinkChicago NEXT 2024 student cohort was predominantly women-identifying and students of color, representing over 30 Chicagoland universities and colleges. This program has consistently provided resume books to over 160 local companies to meet their hiring needs.

The event kicked off at Salesforce Tower with a keynote by ComEd, followed by career development workshops and a showcase of innovative and emerging Chicago companies. Day 2 included company tours and workshops at 1871. ThinkChicago NEXT 2024 was made possible with support from ComEd, Microsoft, Salesforce, and 1871.

Chi Summer Workplace Tour

Running concurrently, WBC launched the “Chi Summer Workplace Tour,” a series of career exposure tours funded by the American Rescue Plan Act as part of Mayor Johnson’s Road to Recovery Plan. This program took local youth to various employers, providing firsthand insight into career opportunities across different industries. Key stops included:

• Chicago Department of Aviation & Bar Siena at O’Hare International Airport: Careers in hospitality, construction, and aviation.
• Eli’s Cheesecake Company: Opportunities in food production and innovation.
• 2112: Entrepreneurial opportunities in creative industries.
• Farmer’s Fridge: Growth of a local startup into a national healthy food company.
• Freedman Seating: Careers in engineering and manufacturing.
• MassPersona: Cutting-edge technology in full-color 3D printing.

John Wober, managing partner of Chicago Hospitality Partners, emphasized the program’s impact: “As a first-generation American, I understand the importance of visibility in shaping aspirations. By showcasing hospitality careers at our restaurants at O’Hare, I aim to inspire young Chicagoans to explore the vast opportunities available at the airport and help break the cycle of inequality.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “Our commitment to job training and career development for Chicagoans, especially our youth, is a cornerstone of our vision for the city’s future. By providing access to career pathways in cutting-edge industries, we are not only creating jobs but also ensuring that Chicago remains a global leader in technological advancement and economic growth. Together, we are building a workforce that will drive innovation and prosperity for generations to come.”

Addressing Critical Issues

A report from the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago highlighted the pressing need to address youth joblessness, showing a high correlation between joblessness and violence. Connecting young people with employment opportunities is crucial to preventing involvement in gangs, drugs, and violence.

“Empowering our youth with employment opportunities is crucial for the well-being of our city,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “It’s imperative that we support young people, particularly those from under-resourced communities, by connecting them with meaningful career paths that can change their lives and uplift our neighborhoods.”

WBC’s talent and workforce programming aims to build a robust talent pipeline and ensure economic inclusivity. Chicago’s ranking as the top metro for corporate relocation and site selection underscores its commitment to developing local talent and fostering opportunities for all residents. This approach not only benefits the local economy but also strengthens Chicago’s position as a leading hub for corporate investment and innovation.

For more information on World Business Chicago’s initiatives and upcoming events, follow us on LinkedIn and visit worldbusinesschicago.com.

Call to Action:

We invite businesses, educators, and community members to join us in our mission to empower Chicago’s youth. Together, we can create a future filled with opportunities and innovation. Connect with us to learn how you can support our initiatives and help shape the next generation of leaders.

Media Contact:

Andrew Hayes
andrew.hayes@worldbusinesschicago.com
312-823-4333