November 2, 2023 - Illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice celebrates first youth vocational certifications with Greater West Town Project
CHICAGO - Young adults who are in the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) are investing in their futures by taking advantage of vocational training and certification opportunities offered by Greater West Town Project (GWTP).
May 13, 2023 - Chicago Tribune
GWTP Highlighted in Providing Employment for Black Youth
New study shows unemployment rates for Black youth have not recovered since the pandemic.
February 14, 2023 - WGN 9
WTA Student Meets with Mayoral Candidates
Mayoral candidates dine with Chicago’s youth, brainstorm city’s future.
December 24, 2022 - Chicago Tribune
WTA Students Help Bring Cheer for the Holidays
Chicago youth ambassadors make sure dozens of struggling families have what they need for holidays.
November 2, 2021
Obituary: GWTP Founder William Leavy, 75
William (Bill) Leavy, of Oak Park, a lifelong advocate for economic and social justice, and the founder of the Greater West Town Community Development Project on Chicago’s West Side, died on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021.
September 14, 2020
GWTP Joins Chicago’s Coronavirus Contact Tracing Plans
Keisha Davis-Johnson
Executive Director, Greater West Town
Lori Lightfoot
Mayor, City of Chicago
Karin M. Norington-Reaves
CEO, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Walter Burnett, Jr.
Chicago Alderman 27 Ward
Dr. Allison Arwady
Commissioner of the CDPH
GWTP one of 31 Community Based Organizations selected to hire individuals for Chicago’s COVID Contact Tracing Corps (Corps) by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership and Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.
April 8, 2019
GWTP Featured on ABC 7's Heart & Soul
Have you wanted to tour Greater West Town's model vocational training programs, but haven't had the time? Now you can! This 3-minute tour was produced by ABC for its Heart & Soul segment.
Greater West Town’s programs have been recognized as effective models for closing the education and employment gap that many Chicago area residents experience. Every contract to use public money to address theses needs in the community has been completed or exceeded since 1992 when the vocational programs got started. The video above shows just a fraction of the learning, student achievement, technical resources, instructor expertise, and life transformation that happens at Greater West Town.
Come out for a visit to see more! Many individuals need help connecting with authentic and effective opportunities to move their careers forward. We are here to help our community members thrive through education, training, and employment.
February 1, 2019 - Chicago Defender
This inspirational organization offers free vocational training and job placement. We hear from alumni whose lives have been forever changed by the program, as well as their dedicated instructors who helped inspire them. Read the full article here.
Greater West Town Manufacturing Initiative Launched
Greater West Town Project has launched a commercial cabinet making operation "to show the viability of developing quality, skilled manufacturing jobs in the inner city for community residents trained in a skills training program" said Executive Director Bill Leavy. The computerized manufacturing center builds on the success of the new advanced woodworkers training program developed with a U.S. Department of Labor to the Regional Manufacturing Training Collaborative to integrate new technology into manufacturing job skills training. With over $15,000 in sales in its first four months, the business has a much greater capacity, and the big challenge now is marketing. Greater West Town Manufacturing Initiative is targeting public sector markets, including The Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools and University of Illinois at Chicago. The business will provide extended work experience for woodworking trainees and entry level wages for those pursuing advanced training. New revenues however, can not replace government responsibility for funding skills training.