HIRE360 ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION GIFT FROM MACKENZIE SCOTT
The Facility Will Provide a Hub for Underrepresented Groups to Explore Careers in the Trades and Provide Support for Women- and Minority-Owned Entrepreneurs
CHICAGO—HIRE360, a nonprofit that connects underserved minority businesses and communities to contracts and careers in unionized construction across the region, has received a $3 million donation from renowned author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The contribution is part of Scott's broader philanthropic initiative, with billions in grants allocated this year to organizations nationwide.
HIRE360 is directing this substantial donation toward the first phase of constructing its Training and Business Development Center. This over $8 million initiative is slated to open its doors in Spring 2024. It will be a hub for industry leaders, contractors, sub-contractors, developers, organized labor and apprentices to converge, fostering collaborations that will shape the future of construction in Chicago and reflect the city's diversity.
“We are extremely grateful to Ms. Scott for her vision and commitment to building a future that uplifts us all,“ said Jay Rowell, executive director of HIRE360. ”We are coupling MacKenzie Scott’s generous support with donations from dozens of contractors and apprenticeship programs to complete this state-of-the-art training center that will provide community residents a solid path to good-paying, middle-class, union jobs.”
Phase 1 includes renovating 40,000 square feet of the facility, including conference and meeting spaces, construction training rooms, a solar training center, office space for diverse contractors and suppliers, and a dedicated playroom to help remove child care as a barrier to careers. Additionally, the center will house two commercial training kitchens, retail spaces dedicated to diverse suppliers, and versatile event spaces to facilitate a comprehensive approach to community and business development. Phase 2 includes renovating an additional 14,000 square feet of the facility for additional training spaces and a parking lot.
Launched in January of 2020, HIRE360 is an Industry Led, Community Focused nonprofit ensuring that our city’s future is inspired by all the communities that call Chicago home. Our “demand” driven approach to workforce development allows a direct connection with employers and unions to develop workforce recruitment and training programs that meet the specific and timely employment needs of the hospitality and construction sectors. As a workforce intermediary, we identify, recruit, skill up and help community members navigate the apprenticeship process. Our business development program creates wealth and career opportunities in Chicago’s communities by investing capital, time and mentorship to help Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises start, grow and thrive. Learn more at www.HIRE360Chicago.com.
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