GWTP's mission is to develop model programs and policy initiatives linking the employment and training of the neighborhood workforce with local economic development efforts and the needs of small and mid-sized employers.

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May 08, 2009
Vocational Training Program: Shipping and Receiving Graduation

May 08, 2009
West Town Academy Prom
at Sheraton Hotel

May 29, 2009
Vocational Training Program: Woodworkers Graduation 2PM

June 19, 2009
West Town Academy Graduation at Malcom X College. Confirmed Speakers are Miguel del Valle, City Clerk of Chicago and Representative Annazette Collins, 10th District

Mayor Daley Visits GWTP Training Center; Hails Programs and Staff
Announces Increased Funding for City Job Training Programs

May 20, 2009

Mayor Richard M. Daley took the occasion of the release of new federal job training dollars to visit Greater West Town and see firsthand how its Community-Business Partnership model and skill training programs are helping individuals and their families cope with and get through the recession. The Mayor praised Greater West Town’s achievements and track record calling Greater West Town an “asset for the entire city of Chicago.” Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. welcomed the Mayor, other local Alderman, and City officials to the 27th Ward while expressing his strong support for GWTP's effective work with local businesses and job seekers.

The Mayor joined GWTP’s Executive Director in stressing the need to increase skill training and supportive services for Chicago’s unemployed and struggling workers. Mayor Daley explained that with the new federal funding the City has just received, Chicago’s workforce development system will be able to assist 5,000 more people than last year. And while both Mr. Leavy and the Mayor acknowledged the challenges facing those seeking work today, the Mayor affirmed his commitment to training programs. Mr. Daley underscored the need to have a ready workforce whenever companies are hiring, and as job growth rebounds with the expected economy recovery.

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Watch the Full Video Highlights of the Mayor's visit to Greater West Town; or; You can see and hear the Mayor's presentation; link to Robert Garza's personal story; or view GWTP's Executive Director, Bill Leavy's remarks.

W.T.A Students Travel to D.C. to Attend Barack Obama's Inauguration

January 22, 2009

Sixteen West Town Academy (W.T.A) students and four staff traveled by bus for 20 hours for the opportunity to witness Barack Obama's Inauguration in Washington, D.C. The students were selected based on their behavior, academic record, and quality of an essay that all interested students were asked to submit. From January 18th through January 22nd the WTA students toured the nation's capitol, including the U.S. Congress Building, Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Students and staff stood between the Washington Monument and the White House to watch the historic inauguration. Afterwards, staff facilitated discussions on what it meant for the students. Several students wrote poems and essays reflecting on what they learned during their trip to bring back and share with the rest of their classmates. Lodging for the staff and students were generously provided by a strong supporter and advocate for WTA, Mary Filardo, who serves as the Executive Director of 21st Century School Fund. The 21st Century School Fund is a highly respected organization headquartered in D.C. that advocates for the improvement of public school facilities across the nation. Read more about 21st Century School Fund at: www.21csf.org

Visioning for the Future:  A New Community Career Training and Economic Development Center

May 28, 2008

In 2008, Greater West Town Project is celebrating 20 years of providing comprehensive workforce development educational services to disadvantaged community residents. This year we have embarked on an exciting search to locate a permanent home for our programs and to establish a new Community Career Training and Economic Development Center, to grow our programs and to expand our reach for many years to come. GWTP recently has located a possible property in the 27th Ward, Humboldt Park.

January 07, 2009 

At the beginning of 2009, several important public officials visited Greater West Town Project's West Town Academy.On January 7th, Treasurer Giannoulias toured the school and training facilities and learned about the achievements of GWTP's dropout retrieval program, and talked with current students about their experiences at West Town Academy. Giannoulias was briefed on GWTP's successful research and advocacy efforts around Chicago's dropout crisis and GWTP's current expansion efforts. Giannoulias applauded GWTP's work and expressed his support for GWTP's plans to consolidate and expand their programming, by establishing a new Community Career Training and Economic Development Center in Humboldt Park.

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