:: Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. ::

	Education & Technology Center, 2011 West Pershing Road, Chicago, IL 60609.
	Pilsen Community Center, 1737 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

History

Board of Directors

President & CEO

Executive Director

NLEI on BILL CAMPBELL'S CHICAGOING

HISTORY

National Latino Education Institute (formerly SCJ) has been a principle influence in the Latino community, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois for nearly three decades. From its beginnings as a social advocate to a successful job-training agency, SCJ has provided positive leadership as it has advanced the cause of equal opportunity for equal sharing by the Latino community in the social and economic life of the city, state and country.

FORMATION

During the late 1960s a collection of aggressive grass-roots agencies came together to advocate for Latinos. These agencies were rooted in “War on Poverty” issues. In a relatively short time, two principal roles emerged: to combat discrimination against Latinos and to advance the issue of affirmative action. To give unity to these various agencies, the name Spanish Coalition for Jobs was adopted as an indicator of what was the motivating purpose of agencies

The Coalition worked aggressively to achieve employment opportunities for Latinos. One early success was with Illinois Bell (now Ameritech). Illinois Bell was one of many private and public corporations that worked with SCJ to ensure Latinos received a fair advantage in obtaining not just jobs, but jobs that paid well. In 1972, Illinois Bell and the Coalition completed negotiations regarding employment opportunities for Latinos. Before the mutual agreement could be signed it was necessary that SCJ incorporate as a 501(c)(3) organization. That was done and the agreement was signed.

DEVELOPMENT

Soon after, the leadership of the newly incorporated coalition realized that being an advocate was not enough. It would be necessary for SCJ to offer educational, employment and training programs if Latinos were to be equipped with the skills that would prepare them for higher paying jobs. Latinos, with a reputation for being productive “blue collar” workers, would need education and training opportunities. Such opportunities would be required to enhance social and economic advances as a way to ensure inclusion of Latinos in white collar and management positions in Chicago’s businesses and industries.

In 1974-1975, SCJ secured Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) contracts to fund its early training endeavors. Recruiting and employment efforts expanded to meet corporate needs. Local and state grants provided funds for SCJ’s first Classroom Training (CRT) programs and Public Service Employment (PSE) program. Participants in this work experience program received training in a variety of jobs while comprising SCJ’s first quasi staff.

SCJ was awarded a contract in 1976 to monitor affirmative action requirements in construction contracts for the building of Benito Juarez High School.

The evolution from pure advocacy to that of a training organization required SCJ to acquire appropriate accommodations. In 1978, a 5,000-sq. ft. facility was acquired in the Pilsen neighborhood at 1737 West 18th Street. Training programs for clerk-typists, accounting clerks and bricklayers were initiated.

Also in 1978 SCJ received support and contributions from the Joyce Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust. These foundation funds allowed the organization to diversify and strengthen its financial base.

Spanish Coalition for Jobs was rated as one of the best performing agencies with 100% placement in its clerk-typist program and 85-90% placement in its public service employment programs. In recognition of its record as one of the most successful and exemplary programs in the nation, the results of SCJ’s CETA efforts were presented in Washington, DC and written into the Congressional Record. Demand for SCJ’s employment and training programs grew tremendously.

In 1983 SCJ became a member of the United Way. This feat was accomplished in a record 9 months, a process that normally requires 36 months to achieve.

EXPANSION

With SCJ’s continued growth and solid reputation as the premier training organization for Latinos, it was necessary to acquire a larger building to meet the increase in staff and participant enrollment. In 1984 SCJ embarked on a capital campaign to purchase the 35,000-sq. ft Epstein Architectural facility which allowed for a more suitable and pleasant space. This new facility, coupled with the Pilsen Center, allowed SCJ to forge ahead with its mission.

As recently as July of 1999 SCJ began investigating the potential expansion of its training offerings into the medical field. Repeating its past successful experience of relying on industry experts to guide the development of a new program offering, SCJ formed a consortium of hospital and medical center representatives to offer input into areas for future training.

RESULTS

SCJ has trained and placed thousands of people in productive employment. It is not unusual to have many family members, neighbors and friends of SCJ alumni enroll in SCJ programs. The most effective marketing tool is “word of mouth” SCJ success stories. Many individuals who previously were low—and moderate—income participants now enjoy new careers, increased purchasing power, home ownership and improved self-esteem . . . a great return on “human capital investments” and asset to our communities and society.