City of Chicago officials joined Ald. Desmond Yancy (5th), Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, leaders from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as Xchange apprentices and local residents for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Xchange Chicago, a new state-of-the-art IT services and innovation center which is bringing new jobs and workforce training opportunities to Grand Crossing and the surrounding communities. The project, which received developmental support from DPD, is projected to create up to 8,000 new jobs while generating $160 million in City-wide annual economic impact. The project was awarded a $5 million Community Development Grant by DPD which helped cover associated construction and development costs. Located across from the Comer Education Center at 7247 S Chicago Ave., the new site builds upon Xchange’s existing apprenticeship programs which train individuals for careers in IT and tech. Once completed, trainees begin their careers as apprentices with SDI in a part-time or full-time role immediately. Xchange has already placed 55 Chicago-based apprentices in full-time roles, generating more than $3.25 million in family sustaining wages and benefits.

Photo Credit: Xchange Chicago