About Us

Greencorps Chicago is the City of Chicago’s green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. It is a program of the Chicago Department of Transportation in partnership with WRD Environmental and G.E.T. Solutions. The mission of the program is to empower residents from Chicagoland’s underserved neighborhoods to create change in their lives and communities through training, service, and career opportunities in environmental fields. In partnership with several stakeholders, we aim to build healthier, safer, and more engaged communities while preparing individuals for employment through practical field experience and technical training in environmentally related jobs.  

History

Greencorps has been transforming lives and creating a greener Chicago since 1994.

• 1994

  Greencorps Chicago kicks off as a Department of Environment (DOE) program.

  • Greencorps supports community gardens. (1993 – 2013)
  • Greencorps training program begins. (1994 – Present)
• 2001

  WRD Environmental becomes a managing partner.

• 2007

  Partnerships with Chicago Park District begins.

• 2009

  Greencorps Calumet satellite program begins. (2009 – 2012)

• 2010

  ARRA Funding begins. (2010 – 2012)

• 2011

  Weatherization Project ends having served 1,948 homes in four year.

• 2012

  • Formal Partnership with Forest Preserve begins.
  • Greencorps is recognized as a model project by the Millennium reserve.
  • Greencorps’ city partnership transitions from DOE to CDOT.
• 2013

  Five year partnership with DFSS/One Summer Chicago begins. (2013 – 2017)

• 2016

  Partnership with Shawnee National Forest begins.

• 2017

  Partnership with City Colleges begins.