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.
Oct.
16, 2009 Vocational Training Program:
Shipping and Receiving Graduation
Oct
30, 2009
West Town Academy:
Latin American Festival
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US
Treasury Secretary Geithner Visits GWTP
Hails Programs and Development Plans as National Model.
October
30,
2009
Treasury Secretary
Timothy Geithner recognized GWTP’s
training programs and development plans as national models for
community economic development while announcing a major increase
in Federal funds for investment and low income communities across
the country. Secretary Geithner visited GWTP’s training
center along with state, federal and local officials on Friday,
October 30th to promote the Obama administration’s expansion
of the New Market’s Tax Credit Program that Greater West
Town has used to help finance its Community Career Education & Economic
Development Center, which is currently under construction at
500 N. Sacramento.
Secretary
Geithner framed his announcement of the program’s expansion
by pointing to Greater West Town’s exemplary project: “It’s
very important that we have programs like this [Greater West
Town] so the American people understand that we’re using
their tax dollars wisely for programs that can really make
a difference” for economically disadvantaged and unemployed
people in today’s tough economy.
Greater
West Town's Community Career Education And Community Development
Center: The Vision Soon To Be A Reality!
Oct.
15, 2009
In
September 2009, Greater West Town finalized its
purchase of the 500 N. Sacramento building,
slated to become
the permanent home of GWTP’s expanding Industrial Skills
Training programs and the West Town Career Academy. Renovations
are now under way!
The new Center is a major step forward to assure
the future of Greater West Town’s programs, and to expand
educational and economic opportunity for residents of the economically
disadvantaged
communities we serve: The Near West Side, West Town/Humboldt
Park, and East Garfield Park.
Previously an un-used, outmoded factory building
in the community, 500 N. Sacramento is being transformed into
a modern, energy-efficient, “green,” and
fully ADA-accessible education and training center.
West
Town Academy’s African American Festival
"The Dreams of Our Fathers"
February
27, 2009
The
recent inauguration of the nation’s first African
American President heightened the excitement for the
annual African American Festival at West Town Academy.
With extensive student participation West Town Academy
celebrated the festival on Friday, February 27th, 2009.
The festival’s central theme was “Dreams
of our Fathers,” which was inspired
by the title of Barack Obama’s popular book,
Dreams from My Father. WTA students shared their own
personal testimony about what it means for them to
have an African American President. Students created
skits and dances to commemorate the creativity and
cultural diversity of the African continent. Students
also prepared classrooms with hands-on activities involving
African dance, jewelry making, and writing. The hard
work and applied learning that students invested into
the festival paid off in an entertaining and exciting
day.
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
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.
