Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation to offer job training, financial coaching at Madison and Central in South Austin, Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A celebration got underway at Madison and Central on Thursday.

The official inauguration of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation took place in Austin, providing a hub where multiple agencies will provide job training, financial advice, and support for small business growth.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It is meant to help people on the West Side find and maintain good-paying jobs to better support their families and communities.

The building itself was a Chicago Public Schools school.

However, back in 2013, Emmet Elementary was shut down. This closure prompted some Austin residents, including Jacqueline Reed, to begin planning and organizing to address what the community truly needed.

“Aspire Center is the perfect name. It’s all about striving for excellence. We have excellence in our DNA, and we need to demonstrate our greatness to leave a lasting legacy for our children,” she expressed.

It took seven years to bring this concept to life with leaders of Austin Coming Together and the Westside Health Authority.

The idea is to bring solutions to address some of the challenges on the West Side.

“The door was slammed on us when the school closed, but with the support and help of our ancestors and these incredible leaders, we have not only busted this door wide open. We are creating more opportunities,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“It was important to people in the neighborhood that this development is built by community members and from a community plan,” said Morris Reed with Westside Health Authority.

Dr. Jacqueline Robinson was the principal at Emmet Elementary.

“The Austin community, they know their mission and they have their vision. And now, I see, as the world sees, we are implementing our vision. This is a new day and new era,” Robinson said.

This could have become another example of a disinvestment in the West Side. Instead, new trainees from the neighborhood start programs next week.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant convicted of shooting at small-town officer in high-speed chase

Undocumented Immigrant Found Guilty of Firing at Rural Police Officer During High-Speed Pursuit

A small-town traffic stop turned into a deadly confrontation when an illegal…
El Chapo's son pleads guilty to US drug trafficking

El Chapo’s Son Admits Guilt in US Drug Trafficking Case

As part of a plea agreement, Guzman Lopez admitted to helping oversee…
California clinic staffers seek to shield ICE agents from detaining Honduran landscaper

California Clinic Employees Strive to Protect Honduran Landscaper from ICE Detention

At a surgical center in California, staff members were recorded on video…

Tragic Loss: TikTok Influencer Aldo Miranda, 32, Discovered Dead at His Residence; Last Emotional Post Surfaces

TIKTOK star Aldo Miranda has died at 32 after sharing a devastating…
Justin Bieber confirms Hailey marriage struggles in album 'Swag'

Justin Bieber Opens Up About Marriage Challenges with Hailey in New Album ‘Swag’

Justin Bieber is hitting rumors head-on. The singer addressed his and Hailey…
Native Hawaiian man could face longer prison sentence after conviction for hate crime against white man

Hawaiian Man May Receive Extended Sentence for Hate Crime Conviction Against White Man

A Native Hawaiian man who had been found guilty of a hate…
Here's What We've Learned About Those Multiple Suspended Secret Service Agents

Lessons from the Multiple Suspensions of Secret Service Agents

Susan Crabtree, a National Political Correspondent for RealClearPolitics, mentioned on X that…
The NEA's antisemitic ADL split: Letters

The NEA and ADL Division: Examining the Antisemitic Allegations

The Issue: The National Education Association cuts ties with the Anti-Defamation League.…
Woman charged in St. Augustine stabbing due back in court after ruled competent

Woman Accused in St. Augustine Stabbing Scheduled to Return to Court Following Competency Ruling

Arieana Gibbs, aged 22, had previously been deemed unfit to stand trial…
Toddler Clay Parisher added to tragic list of dead from historic Texas floods

Tragic Loss: Toddler Clay Parisher Among Latest Victims of Texas Flood Disaster

A tragic addition has been made to the already heart-wrenching list of…
Two soldiers carrying rifles walk across a metal bridge.

Travis Decker’s Missing Days Numbered as Experts Warn Fugitive Dad’s Options to Remain Hidden Are Dwindling

According to experts, Travis Decker, who is accused of child murder, would…
Close-up of Maria Shalaeva.

Putin Official Accused of Using $100M Military Jets to Fly Young Mistress Amid Kremlin Scandal

A SEX scandal has shaken the Kremlin as a high-ranking Putin official…