Connecting People to Jobs
We reduce barriers and increase equity.
The biggest barrier to equity in job search is a professional network. Many job seekers are overlooked because they do not have the connections that can help them get through the hiring process. By developing a strong network of trusted employer partners, Skills has created a network that our talented job seekers can tap into.
Our model helps our candidates connect directly to hiring managers, giving them the tools and connections to succeed. Our focus on the south and west sides of Chicago helps us impact economic mobility in Chicago's historically under invested communities.
We Bridge the Access Gap
As a nonprofit organization, we remove barriers to employment by eliminating biases that disqualify candidates unnecessarily. Working with local and global companies, we bring opportunities in corporate America to Chicago’s neighborhoods. Together with our partners, we’re proving equity works.
12,150+
Candidates placed into jobs
130+
Employer Partners
$278.1M
Total Wage Impact
We Start with the Biggest Hurdle in Job Search: Connections to Employers
Skills works directly with companies to identify their hiring needs, build trusted relationships, and understand their hiring process. We then recruit diverse job seekers who are unemployed or underemployed—working under 32 hours a week or working outside their field—to fit those open opportunities, giving them the tools and contacts to succeed in the hiring process.
We drive inclusive hiring
Many of our employers are hiring in South and West Side neighborhoods, and our recruitment efforts—including strategic marketing and sourcing—connect applicants with jobs nearby.
We’re where you need us
We opened our Englewood office in 2021, our North Lawndale office in 2022, and our Gage Park office in 2023! Along with our Loop office and flexible virtual presence, we’ve reduced barriers and become more accessible to job seekers.
We champion local neighborhoods
Our team works with leading companies looking to grow their business and locate within a neighborhood to drive economic investment and mobility for local residents.
We don’t do it alone
We’re part of the local workforce ecosystem, a network of community-based organizations that provide resources and services to local job seekers. Our partnerships with other organizations allow us to reach more job seekers and create a larger impact in the communities we serve.
Support Our Work
We can’t do our work without you. Each of the 11,400+ candidates we've helped place into jobs has a unique story. Your support helps us connect great overlooked talent with employers.
And we need your support to meet and exceed our goals for years to come. Help us impact economic mobility for local jobseekers.
Donate todayWhat We’re Up To
Our partnership works because of the dedication on both ends. The constant communication and the process we have in place help us achieve success. Skills has a lot of passion, and it's in line with my passion for wanting to help people."
Success Stories
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Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to create demand-driven solutions for employers to get the unemployed and underemployed back to work.
Our vision is to continuously meet employers' talent needs to create economic opportunity for the unemployed and underemployed.
Our North Star
To increase the economic mobility of under- and unemployed talent by connecting them to quality jobs through our deep partnership and understanding of the unique human capital needs of our network of engaged employers.