2025 was the year that ended as it had begun – with uncertainty and disruption for organizations and communities. 2026 begins with the certainty that change is the only constant, and organizations and communities need to be ready to pivot, which is only possible through preparedness in personal and professional development.

Our inaugural CRC Train-the-Trainer session was a resounding success! Designed to make the Career Readiness Curriculum more accessible, this session provided actionable strategies for guiding job seekers, overcoming barriers, and inspiring long-term career planning.

The potential impacts we could see on the job market due to economic shifts underscores the importance of equipping job seekers with versatile, transferable skills that can weather economic shifts.

At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we believe that every organization plays a role in creating an equitable workforce system. Our customized training solutions are designed to empower workforce professionals to better serve job seekers, equipping them with tools to address systemic barriers to employment.

Discover how the Chicago Jobs Council serves as an essential intermediary in workforce development, driving equitable change through advocacy, training, and partnerships. Learn how we connect job seekers, training providers, employers, and policymakers to create lasting opportunities and systemic solutions.

Building on the work we started last year, we’ve continued to bridge the gap between funders and community-based organizations through The Funders' Project, a six-session series focused on creating more equitable funding practices. The initiative aims to make application and reporting processes fairer and more accessible, especially for underrepresented organizations.