Make it in Illinois $5 Mill Manufacturing Marketing Partnership Launch

Governor JB Pritzker looks on as a Dalely College student shares his story with an audience about how the manufacturing program has benefited him. / Photo: Israel Wilson

Governor JB Pritzker recently announced the $5 million marketing campaign, Make it in Illinois, for manufacturing. Taking place at Richard J. Daley College, a city college located on Chicago’s South Side, one of the key partners in the Make it in Illinois Campaign is Daley College.

Steven Meneses, Executive Director of Innovation in Manufacturing in Illinois emphasized the value of these programs.

“The opportunities in classes and courses and training that, you can get here can get you into a high demand, livable wage for your life, your career, and your sustainability of your future,” Meneses said. “When you have leadership like the governor, like you have state representatives, the president of the college, you have the dean, you have other directors and support from institutions, from the community supporting, you feel the power, you feel the engagement, and you know that this is a winning program.”

Community organizations are also promoting the efforts of the manufacturing program at Daley College. Many are eager to raise awareness of existing opportunities for careers in manufacturing.

Jonathan Perez, a representative of Southwest Organizing Project, said, “We work very closely with Daley to promote their manufacturing programs because a lot of students, they don’t know about these programs, and we’re just trying to get the word out. And it’s great seeing Governor Pritzkerhere.”

Student leaders praised Daley’s ability to create an impact on their community through programming and events.

“Truly, it’s empowering because there’s so many [role] models. It’s networking. It’s being able to understand that we have a space here. Daley is being a pioneer for this industry, it’s so invigorating to know about being a part of something so big,” said Marilyn Carroll, Vice President of the Black Student Union at Daley College. The Black Student Union at Daley College curates several events throughout the year to build community within the student body.

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, Daley College begins accepting applications in January 2025. To learn more about the Make it in Illinois Campaign, click here.

By Z Saj

@zsaj_

True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. Help empower young creators and transform lives by donating at truestarmedia.org/donate.