Under the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between Northwestern University and the City of Evanston, Northwestern has committed to making an annual investment of $500,000 in Evanston local workforce development programming and upskilling initiatives. This commitment is supported by a $10 million gift from the Ryan family to Northwestern and aims to provide Evanston residents with access to education, training, and sustainable living wage career opportunities.
The Ryan Family-Evanston Workforce Development Initiative is a collaboration between Community Partners, Training and Education Providers, Employers, and Northwestern University. This initiative is focused on providing career pathways for Evanston High School graduates and Evanston residents who are seeking opportunities without a four-year college degree.
To achieve these goals, Northwestern is partnering with leading organizations and training providers across the region, each bringing specialized expertise and deep community roots to create meaningful opportunities for Evanston residents.
Accelerate U at National Louis University: The Accelerate U program provides Evanston learners with access to accelerated, job-first training in fields such as healthcare and IT. This six-month program offers college credits, wraparound services, and connections to local employer partners to help graduates transition into full-time roles with competitive wages and the opportunity to gain college credits to use in the future should they choose to obtain associate or bachelor's degrees in their field.
The Trade Collective: Northwestern will provide financial support to The Trade Collective, helping expand training programs and educational events that focus on skilled trades and professions that do not require 4-year degrees yet offer great wages and job security.
Youth Job Center: As one of the oldest local nonprofit workforce development organizations in Cook County, founded in Evanston in 1983, Youth Job Center has been helping young people discover careers and training opportunities for over four decades. Northwestern is proud to partner with Youth Job Center to continue providing meaningful and in-demand workforce development assistance to young adults in Evanston.
Evanston Own It: Northwestern's partnership with Evanston Own It provides funding for additional community outreach, events, and support – all of which Evanston Own It has been doing since its inception in 2014 to address youth and community violence in Evanston. Through this partnership, Evanston Own It will be able to reach more community members and provide additional resources to the communities they serve in Evanston.
Per Scholas: As a national nonprofit focused on developing and training IT professionals from communities who have not traditionally pursued careers in the technology sector, Northwestern is eager to launch a pilot project with Per Scholas to serve Evanstonians who are receiving SNAP benefits obtain certifications and full-time employment in IT Support and beyond. With wraparound services, dedicated career professionals, and additional no-cost student-led trainings after completion, Per Scholas is positioned to offer Evanston residents a direct path to economic opportunity and professional success.