Calumet Industrial Commission To Pay Community College Tuition

ORLAND PARK, IL — Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC), a Southland-based workforce development organization that has served the Chicago metro region for 53 years, was awarded an $8.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, and is using the funding to pay the tuition of community college students, according to a news release from the company.

According to the release, CAIC leadership says the grant will provide 1100 adults with tuition-free manufacturing training at area community colleges over a four-year period.

“We see this grant as an opportunity to reach out into our communities and connect motivated jobseekers with vital training that facilitates movement out of jobs and into a career,” said CAIC Vice President of Talent Development, Craig Schmidt.

According to the release, career paths CAIC provides training for include welding, industrial electrician, aviation maintenance, automation and engineering, among many others.

CAIC works with 10 area partners including Daley and Olive Harvey Colleges in the city, as well as South Suburban, Prairie State, Moraine Valley, Oakton, and Triton Community Colleges in the suburban regions to pay for tuition, books, materials and additional enrollment fees for those interested in entering into high-skilled manufacturing careers, the release states.

“As more people embrace industry and trades as viable paths to wealth and security, we want to be there to guide them on their way into those careers. Our work is accelerated through generous grants like this one from the US Department of Labor,” said Ted Stalnos, President.

CAIC is a 501 c3 with a mission to lead the industrial expansion and retention efforts in metropolitan Chicago and Northwestern Indiana. To fulfill their mission, their programs and
services are focused on industrial advocacy, including linking companies to economic development resources, according to the release.

Go to calumetareaindustrial.com and click on the Tuition Assistance tab to sign up, or call 773-928-6000 x 229 and ask for Meredith for more information.