More than 400 young employees are expected to be hired at a job fair at Chicago’s McCormick Place Thursday.
The 100,000 Opportunity Job Fair and Forum at McCormick Place will kick off the official start to the 100,000 Opportunity Initiative, a national program where a group of U.S. companies will commit to engaging 100,000 young people in jobs, internships and apprenticeships by 2018.
More than 4,500 young Chicagoans are slated to attend the fair, which is said to be the “first of its kind.”
“We believe that for young people to get their foot in the door in industries that have career trajectories and with companies that provide tuition is all a part of our initiative at Chicago City of Learning to help our youth level up professionally and academically,” Nichole Pinkard, a DePaul University professor and founder of the Digital Youth Network, said in a statement.
At least 29 private companies will be a part of the event, including Starbucks, JC Penny, Potbelly, Hyatt and others with plans to hire more than 400 youths between the ages of 16 and 24 on the spot at the fair.
The event is also expected to feature appearances by Common, Chance the Rapper and “surprise local and national celebrities and heroes.”
The event is ticketed and applications must be filled out before attending. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24, part-time students or not enrolled in school, not currently working.
