Aspire CareerLink Named ‘Chicago Innovation Awards Top 100 Finalist’ out of 535

UPDATE 9.10.15: Aspire was named a “Chicago Innovation Awards Top 100 Finalist” out of 535 nominees. Thank you, Chicago Innovation Awards and congratulations to the 13 winners!
Aspire is excited to announce that our groundbreaking career training program, Aspire CareerLink, has been nominated for the 14^th annual Chicago Innovation Awards.

In line with Aspire’s deep-rooted spirit of innovation and strategic business mindset, the Chicago Innovation Awards “recognizes and promotes companies striving to make an impact across public, private and nonprofit sectors, supporting creative innovation and ideas that drive all industries and serving as a catalyst for business growth.”

Aspire CareerLink is a progressive and one-of-a-kind program that provides adults with disabilities age 18+ with the opportunity to receive
intensive job training in the fields of retail or warehouse distribution. Aspire CareerLink is a ten-week training program that meets two to three days a week and culminates in a two-week, job-focused internship with our partner, Office Depot. 

Aspire CareerLink training puts candidates on a path to meaningful and rewarding careers. In addition, the Aspire Careers team forms mutually beneficial partnerships with companies – from small businesses to Fortune 500s – to create inclusive workplaces.

This is the first time Aspire has been nominated and we are proud to be among a forward-thinking group of entrepreneurs who share our spirit of pushing the boundaries and continuously innovating. At Aspire, we strive to think outside of the box in order to redefine what’s possible for adults and kids with disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, as well as our communities.

One hundred finalists from all nominations will be selected at the end of September, and 13 winners will be announced at the Chicago Innovation Awards ceremony on October 27, 2015.

Stay tuned for updates!

Chicago Innovation Awards’ Vision Statement

To make Chicago a recognized hub of innovation by igniting a new narrative for our region, strengthening its economic future and building the spirit of innovation throughout the community.

Aspire’s Vision Statement

To create a community where people of all abilities live, learn and grow together.

Thank you to OfficeMax, Office Depot and The Kessler Foundation for creating job opportunities for people with disables through Aspire CareerLink.