City Colleges of Chicago
03/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/04/2026 12:41
Chicago Talent Challenge: Connecting Thousands of Chicagoans to Good Jobs, Watch the Lively Conversation
Chicagoans need access to good jobs with family-sustaining wages, and employers need to fill critical roles quickly. To build these connections, the Pritzker Traubert Foundation launched the Chicago Talent Challenge, a $5 million grant to accelerate the training and hiring of local workers for high-demand jobs. This year's Challenge focused on filling health care roles like medical assistants, patient care technicians, medical laboratory technicians, and nurses. In this discussion, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert, a doctor and University of Illinois trustee, will discuss the inaugural Challenge and why they chose to focus on health care.
listen to the full conversation on the City Club of Chicago's YouTube channel. click here or visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js1SyqG0CQc&t=1485s
"There is potential and talent everywhere in Chicago and opportunity is not nearly as widespread. City Colleges of Chicago graduates are essential to our regions healthcare force." ~Brian Traubert is Chairman of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation (PTF), which is dedicated to equalizing opportunity in Chicago.
"…with the speed of technology…and the growth of AI…to successfully navigate this moment requires bold ideas that comes from the collaboration of our best institutions and best employers….you've, Juan Salgado, done so much and you've led a very ambitious agenda to improve student outcomes…" ~ Penny Pritzker is an entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist.
"We are into our five-year plan and it's all about being bold. We are looking at major solutions to the challenges that our city faces…when we think about filling more than 1,000 jobs….we need our students to fill the jobs. Students that are going to remain here and at the end of the day will advance our city into the future. The question is, what do we need to do to add capacity." ~ Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago.
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