Mapping Chicago’s Tech Ecosystem: Training and Workforce Development

The Chicago Tech Ecosystem: Training and Workforce Development project, led by the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC) and funded by Bridges to Brighter Futures, seeks to catalog and systematically analyze the non-credit adult education and training programs within Chicago’s tech ecosystem. This initiative focuses on identifying and mapping training opportunities that serve as accessible pathways to tech careers for underserved populations, including those from underrepresented communities and individuals facing barriers to education and employment. By engaging key stakeholders—such as training providers, employers, funders, and allied organizations across education, workforce, community, and economic development sectors—the project aims to provide actionable insights into the ecosystem’s strengths, gaps, and opportunities. The ultimate goal is to inform and support equitable strategies for workforce development and tech career readiness in the Chicago region.