Mayor Stephen Hagerty and Evanston community and business leaders met Thursday at Evanston Township High School for the first meeting of the Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council.
The group’s mission is to improve and develop sustainable career pathways for Evanston high school students seeking careers that do not require a four-year college degree.
It plans to focus on enhancing collaboration between Evanston employers and educators, better connecting students with career opportunities in the city while providing local employers with a well-prepared source of talent.
The Council has set a goal of moving 100 students per year directly into careers with Evanston employers by June of 2021.
“Evanston is fortunate to have a thriving, diverse business community, great schools filled with remarkable kids, and a strong network of organizations committed to supporting their success,” said Mayor Hagerty. “Working together, we have a marvelous opportunity to elevate our youth, elevate our city, and create a better Evanston for everyone.”
Members of many Evanston employer groups are participating in the initiative, including those representing health care, hospitality, manufacturing, automotive, government and nonprofit organizations, as well as entrepreneurs.
The Council plans to meet periodically throughout the next three years to address the challenges Evanston employers face in building a sustainable workforce and the challenges Evanston youth and young adults face in finding local employment.