The 5 Critical Ways Central States SER Chicago Is Transforming Workforce Development And Clean Energy Careers
As of late 2025, Central States SER (Jobs for Progress Inc.) continues to stand as a vital non-profit powerhouse in the Chicago area, driving economic self-sufficiency and upward mobility for thousands of marginalized residents. Since its inception in 1987, the organization has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of the job market and the community, focusing on delivering cutting-edge education and employment services across the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County. The current focus is heavily weighted toward high-growth sectors like clean energy and providing comprehensive re-engagement pathways for opportunity youth.
The organization's work is critical, especially in a dynamic economic landscape where specialized skills and second-chance opportunities are essential for community growth. Central States SER touches the lives of over 12,000 individuals annually, offering a gateway to sustainable careers through innovative training programs, intensive case management, and robust partnerships with government and corporate entities. Their recent emphasis on programs related to the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the SOAR educational model highlights their commitment to securing a brighter, more equitable future for Illinois residents.
Leadership Profile: Driving the SER Mission in Chicago
Central States SER, Jobs for Progress Inc., is led by a dynamic management team dedicated to realizing the organization’s mission of promoting economic self-sufficiency and upward mobility. Their leadership is instrumental in securing grants, forging critical partnerships, and designing the innovative programs that serve the Chicago and Cook County communities.
- Organization Name: Central States SER, Jobs for Progress Inc.
- Year Founded: 1987
- Service Area: City of Chicago and Suburban Cook County, Illinois
- Primary Focus: Workforce Development, Education, and Job Training
- President & CEO: Eva Garza Dewaelsche
- VP of Operations & COO: Manuela Zarate
- Key Recognition: Eva Garza Dewaelsche was recognized as a "Champion of Change" for her work in empowering communities.
- Affiliation: SER National (a network of organizations across the U.S.)
Under the guidance of President and CEO Eva Garza Dewaelsche, Central States SER has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, particularly for low-income residents, ex-offenders, and gang-affected youth. The organization's success is a direct reflection of its leadership's ability to navigate complex funding landscapes and build a coalition of partners committed to social and economic justice.
1. The Clean Energy Revolution: Training Under the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA)
One of the most significant and timely initiatives at Central States SER is its vocational training centered around the clean energy economy. This focus is directly tied to the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the subsequent Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Act (CEJA), which aim to create thousands of new, sustainable jobs in the state.
The organization has positioned itself as a crucial training provider for these emerging careers. The programs introduce participants to cutting-edge technologies and skills necessary for the transition to a clean energy future. The training is a direct response to the massive investment of funds authorized by the state to develop clean energy-related job training programs for Illinois citizens.
Solar Photovoltaics and Green Job Skills
Central States SER's vocational training includes specialized instruction in Solar Photovoltaics (PV) technology. This program equips participants with the skills needed for the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar energy systems, a rapidly growing segment of the state's economy. By focusing on green job skills, the organization ensures that its clients are prepared for high-demand, high-wage careers that offer long-term economic stability.
This strategic focus not only helps individuals secure employment but also contributes to Illinois’s broader environmental and economic goals. The training covers:
- Solar panel installation and safety protocols.
- Energy efficiency and weatherization techniques.
- General construction and skilled trades readiness.
- Understanding of state energy policy and utility programs.
2. Re-Engaging Opportunity Youth: The SOAR and CYSC Models
Central States SER is a prominent partner in city-wide efforts to address youth joblessness and educational gaps, particularly for young people aged 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work. These efforts are channelled through highly effective programs like Student Outreach and Re-Engagement (SOAR) and the Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC).
The SOAR Centers: A Pathway to Graduation
In partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Central States SER operates as a SOAR Center provider. The SOAR model is designed for out-of-school youth, offering a new, supportive pathway toward earning a high school diploma or GED. This is not just about academics; the program provides a holistic suite of services to remove barriers to success.
SOAR participants receive:
- Intensive Career Coaching and Case Management.
- GED Classes and High School Credit Recovery.
- Job Readiness and Work-Based Learning opportunities.
- Restorative Justice and Supportive Services (e.g., transportation assistance).
Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC)
The Chicago Youth Service Corps (CYSC) is another critical component, providing paid work experiences for young adults. This program allows youth to earn money while actively supporting and improving their local neighborhoods and the city at large. This blend of income generation, skill-building, and community service is vital for fostering a sense of civic responsibility and economic independence among Chicago's youth.
3. A Network of Impact: Key Partnerships and Collaborations
The sheer breadth of Central States SER's impact is made possible by its extensive network of collaborations with government agencies, educational institutions, and other non-profit organizations. This web of partnerships ensures that services are comprehensive, well-funded, and deeply integrated into the community’s needs.
Government and Institutional Partners
The organization works closely with major governmental and institutional bodies to secure funding and align its training with regional economic demands. Key partners include:
- Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: As a One-Stop Career Center focal point, SER is integral to the region's workforce system.
- City of Chicago: Central States SER is a key provider for initiatives like One Summer Chicago (OSC), the city-wide youth employment program.
- Chicago Public Schools (CPS): For the implementation of the SOAR educational model.
- UChicago Inclusive Economy Lab: Collaborating on research and effective program design.
- SER National: Providing a national framework and resources for local execution.
Community and Corporate Entities
To ensure job placement success, SER partners directly with employers and community organizations. Recent activities include hosting large hiring events that connect job seekers with opportunities from employers like the Unite Here Chicago Hospitality Institute. Further community partnerships include the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Scholars, Elevate, and the Greater West Town Community Development Project, creating a holistic support system for marginalized residents seeking a new start.
4. Comprehensive Services: Beyond Job Training
Central States SER's commitment to upward mobility extends far beyond simply offering a job training certificate. The organization provides a full spectrum of supportive services designed to eliminate the common barriers that prevent low-income and disadvantaged individuals from achieving career success. This intensive, case-managed approach is what sets the organization apart.
Services are tailored to the individual and often include:
- Digital Literacy and Computer Skills Training.
- Financial Literacy and Budgeting Workshops.
- Assistance for Ex-Offenders and Justice-Involved Individuals.
- Transportation and Childcare Referrals.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes.
5. Future Outlook: Sustaining Economic Equity
As Central States SER moves forward, its strategic direction remains focused on adapting to the newest economic opportunities, particularly those fueled by state legislation like CEJA. By continually updating its curriculum to include high-demand skills—from solar technology to advanced manufacturing—the organization ensures that the residents of Chicago and Cook County are not just finding jobs, but are building sustainable, long-term careers. Their work serves as a powerful model for how comprehensive workforce development, combined with deep community and government partnerships, can effectively bridge the skills gap and promote true economic equity in urban and suburban areas.
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