Ten years, 470 students: CPS students and Peoples Gas celebrate career training program

Chicago - Past and current Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Bright Futures U, a workforce development program that has helped hundreds of young Chicagoans prepare for careers in the energy industry. Bright Futures U is a joint initiative between Peoples Gas and CPS that provides paid training for students interested in learning about the energy industry. Graduates of the program and current participants gathered at Peoples Gas' training facility in Little Village to celebrate the program and their own growing careers.

"Peoples Gas has allowed me to gain firsthand knowledge and develop new skills that are essential as I consider my future career path," said Andrew Simpson, a graduate of Bright Futures U who is now a Peoples Gas project worker. "Supervisors have supported and guided me, answering my questions and offering valuable advice to help me move in the right direction."

Bright Futures U provides high school juniors and seniors with classroom and hands-on experience in the energy industry. Students who complete the full program are eligible for union careers at Peoples Gas immediately after graduating from high school.

Over the past decade, Bright Futures U has created a direct pathway from the classroom to careers:

• 470 students received career training
• 55 students completed the full training program
• 34 students were hired into jobs at Peoples Gas after high school graduation

The program continues to grow. This year, 38 CPS seniors are participating in Bright Futures U and are on a path toward careers with Peoples Gas after graduation. Another 80 high school juniors are expected to join the program in the coming months.

"Our students come from public high schools across all parts of Chicago, and the knowledge and skills we are helping them build will serve as a foundation for lifelong careers," said Maria Bocanegra, president - Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. "Our partnership with Chicago Public Schools is an innovative way to invest in young Chicagoans and strengthen all of our city's communities."

"This program trains Chicago Public Schools students for good-paying jobs and lifelong careers," said Nick Passarelli, president - Gas Workers Local 18007, the union that represents Peoples Gas project workers. "Local students are learning skills that are crucial for keeping Chicago's energy infrastructure strong and our neighborhoods vibrant."

Bright Futures U is part of the Peoples Gas Energy Career Academy, which works with schools, labor partners and community organizations to develop the next generation of skilled energy workers in Chicago.