Photos: Chicago Opportunity Fair & Forum
More than 4,000 young people in Chicago took a first step toward careers at the first-ever Opportunity Fair & Forum at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.
More than 4,000 young people in Chicago took a first step toward careers at the first-ever Opportunity Fair & Forum at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The event marked the official launch of the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative, a coalition of Starbucks and leading U.S. companies committed to engaging 100,000 young people in jobs, internships, and apprenticeships by 2018.
Participating companies, in collaboration with the Chicago Cook Workforce and more than 40 community-based organizations, made hundreds of on-the-spot job offers at the hiring fair and forum, delivering immediate impact for their businesses, the Chicago community, and participating candidates.
Opportunity Job & Resource Fair
Young job seekers filled out job applications at the Opportunity Fair & Forum. Activities also included workshops, on-the-spot hiring, college counseling and skills development.
CEO Opportunity Roundtables
CEOs of participating companies discussed how to create meaningful pathways to opportunity for thousands of young people.
Press Conference with CEOs and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Mellody Hobson, Starbucks board member and President of Ariel Investments, joined other business leaders and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to speak to the media about the challenges that young people face in today’s economy.
Inspirational Forum
While the first half of the day was focused on the job fair, the afternoon highlighted themes of inspiration. The Inspirational Forum featured Common, a Grammy and Academy Award winning performing artist, music artist Usher, as well as various speakers including U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King who shared his story of perseverance after losing both legs in Afghanistan. The event closed with live performances by will.i.am, Usher, and the Chicago Bulls Bucket Boys.
Members of the media, find additional assets here. Photos by Peter Wynn Thompson/AP Images and Daniel Boczarski, Getty Images for 100,000 Opportunities Initiative.
Learn more about the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative.
