Aspire Featured on CAN TV

Date

July 24, 2026

Time

2 minutes

Category

News

Share

A meaningful career can create confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Aspire CEO Serena Alaily recently joined CAN TV’s Chicago Newsroom 2.0 to discuss Aspire’s new Food Services Employment Training Program and the possibilities it is creating for people with disabilities and local businesses.

The 18-week program includes 10 weeks of hands-on learning in a simulated commercial kitchen, followed by an eight-week paid internship with an employer partner. Trainees build skills in food preparation, food safety, teamwork, customer service, and workplace readiness.

The program also helps restaurants respond to ongoing hiring and retention challenges by connecting them with talented, reliable job seekers.

With early partners including Home Run Inn and The Buona Companies, Aspire is creating pathways to lasting careers while helping strengthen Chicago’s food services workforce.

Watch the full CAN TV conversation to learn more.

The contents of this web page were developed under grant H421F240008 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this web page may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this web page does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)

Chicago Sun-Times: Making Restaurant Careers More Accessible

News

Chicago Sun-Times: Making Restaurant Careers More Accessible

Chicago is known around the world for its restaurants. As the city looks toward the future of its culinary community,… Read More

Powered by Pasta: Aspire’s First Food Service Trainees Put Their Skills to the Test

News

Powered by Pasta: Aspire’s First Food Service Trainees Put Their Skills to the Test

Serving the First Course of What’s Possible Ten weeks of learning, practicing, and preparing culminated in one very special lunch… Read More

Aspire’s Summer Highlights

Life at Aspire

Aspire’s Summer Highlights

Summer is in full swing, bringing plenty of sunshine, new adventures, and meaningful moments across the Aspire community. Over the… Read More

Aspire logo
arrow up
Be Included

Get news and events information.