Inside the Black Box - Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago

Instituto del Progreso Latino
Year Started 1977
Location 2570 South Blue Island Avenue; Chicago, IL 60608
Mission
To contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and
their families through education, training and employment that fosters
full participation in the changing United States society while
preserving cultural identity and dignity.
Area of Service Delivery Pilsen, a predominately Latino neighborhood
Description of Services
Instituto offers several workforce development programs, including:
• Carreras en Salud, a healthcare career pathways bridge
program
• CNC Fast Track Program, helping individuals in lowerskilled
manufacturing positions develop more competitive
skill sets and advance into higher paying jobs
• Mujer Avanzando, a program for Latina single mothers with
comprehensive services in career pathways, wealth creation,
and childcare service.
ManufacturingWorks is a collaborative between Instituto and the City
of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development.
ManufacturingWorks is a centralized service center for employers
that responds to the growing concern over the insufficient number of
skilled workers in the Chicago manufacturing industry. Instituto
serves as the fiscal agent and lead managing and operational
organization on ManufacturingWorks.
Instituto offers adult education, a charter school and an alternative
school for youth, a career development program, and citizenship
preparation.
Funding
Website
Description
Length of Program
Size of Program
Instituto is also a Centers for Working Families site, offering
financial counseling and career coaching services for Latina/o
families.
The organization is primarily funded through private and corporate
philanthropy and individual contributions. However, public funds are
still significant and contribute in larger parts to the manufacturing
program.
www.idpl.org
Program(s) of primary focus in this report
Carreras en Salud
Carerras en Salud is a collaborative career pathways healthcare
bridge program established to bridge limited English-proficient
individuals into Licensed Practical Nursing. Students mastering their
LPN may also obtain certification as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Individuals can enter one of 7 levels, each of which takes 16 weeks to
complete. Students advance levels according to their capacity and test
scores.
Since began in 2005, over 700 individuals have enrolled.
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