GRANTEE:                   Chicago Technology Park Corporation

ADDRESS:                  600 South Hoyne

                             Chicago, IL  60612

AMOUNT:                    $3,000,000

DURATION:                January 5, 2004 - January 5, 2007 (36 months)

POPULATION SERVED:  The project will train a total of 210 workers in the IT industry (60 unemployed workers and 150 incumbent workers) with skills to enter the BioInformatics industry.  Workers will be recruited from both rural and urban communities.  This program is targeted at individuals who have been impacted by the downturn in the information technology sector. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:  This is a one-year program to be given three times during the life of the grant.  The program will combine workforce-based classes in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology and industry internships through intensive face-to-face laboratory classes, e-learning, and online instruction.

Employer partners have committed to providing $2,000,000 in matching funds and the applicant has committed an additional $1,000,000, for a total of $3,000,000 in matching funds.  Additionally, each participant will receive an internship paying at least $12.00 per hour.

The grantee commits to training 128 workers who will each receive a Certificate of Completion in BioInformatics from Truman College.  Three participants will be placed in jobs with a partner employer.  No other placement or wage increase outcomes are committed to.

KEY PARTICIPANTS:  Chicago Technology Park, iBIO, Truman College of the City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Workforce Board, Argonne National Laboratory, Abbott Laboratories, University of Illinois at Chicago, Integrated Genomics, Illinois Medical District Commission, Women Advancing BioScience, Women’s Entrepreneurial Life Sciences Institute.

MEDIA CONTACT:    Paula Philbrook, Chief Fiscal Officer

                            (312) 633-3434 x40