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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING NATIONAL LATINO EDUCATION INSTITUTE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, National Latino Education Institute, (NLEI) is a not-for-profit community service agency that was incorporated in 1972; and
WHEREAS, the organization evolved from an advocacy group formed in the late 60’s by several community leaders who decided to challenge major employers in the city who consistently failed to hire qualified Hispanic applicants; and
WHEREAS, initially began as Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc with job training and job placement programs and
WHEREAS, in 1984, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. purchased a 40,000 square foot building located at Pershing Road to establish a citywide training facility; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. started customized training programs with various downtown employers and launched the Advanced Office Occupation Training Program; and
WHEREAS, in 1992, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. was licensed as a business and trade school affording training with credentials
WHEREAS, in 1993, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. obtained funding from the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, and pre-vocational training; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. became a nationally accredited educational institution of higher education able to provide more credentials and post-secondary academic credit, students became eligible for federal aid and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. was approved as a qualified training vendor for the Illinois Employment and Training Centers (IETC) and the Cook County President’s Office of Employment Training (POET) in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. became one of only ten subcontractors for the Chicago Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) to help with workforce development in the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, in 1999, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. created the medical consortium made up of top health employers to design and implement industry-demanded medical programs; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. was elected as an affiliate of the one-stop system to provide core and intensive services under the new Workforce Investment Act (WIA) legislation; and
WHEREAS, the Dr. Assir Daniel DaSilva, bilingual medical assistant, training program received accreditation in 2004 through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) on the recommendation of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) making the program one of only three CAAHEP certified programs in Chicago and the only one offering specialized bilingual training; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. was recognized as an Honor Roll Institution by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and School (ACICS) for demonstrating exemplary standards and received the highest grant of accreditation without deferral; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, the Spanish Coalition for Jobs, Inc. officially changed its name to National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) to reflect the community they serve and the belief that education is a catalyst to success; and
WHEREAS, NLEI launches a unique bilingual digital literacy program--supported by a national tech leader-that increased educational access and computer competency through the first Bilingual Community Technology Center in the state of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, NLEI launched the Customer Service and Sales vocational training program in an effort to train qualified individuals for service and sales jobs that are high in demand - especially for those with bilingual/bicultural backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, first nationally accredited customer service and sales program for disadvantaged Latinos, which has since grown to become a business development program now used by several universities and post-secondary programs.
WHEREAS, in 2010, NLEI launches a Privately-funded STEM scholarship program over several years for Latinos including doctoral studies; and
WHEREAS, NLEI’s Business Leadership Council expands and Wealth Education programming for the Latino community expands, including education in saving, investing, and asset building is formalized. The first pilot gave participants significant stipends of cash for initial investments
WHEREAS in 2010, NLEI becomes a national competency-testing center of Allied Health occupations. In this year, NLEI broadened the organization’s offerings to include disciplines in clinical settings, medical assisting, medical office management, healthcare customer service, nursing, pharmacy, cultural competencies, and technology.
WHEREAS, in 2011, A trade pathways program that graduates participants into living wage, sustainable careers catapulting NLEI to spin off its construction and energy training offerings.
WHEREAS, in 2011, Higher Education pathways launched enabling NLEI alumni to earn work credit and to earn customized bachelor degrees in business management and healthcare leadership with National Louis University and the University of Illinois demystifying the belief that a college degree is not attainable for NLEI participants.
WHEREAS, in 2011, Customized training expands for employers in retail, utilities, media, healthcare and transportation. Such have evolved into some of today’s flagships for NLEI and other nonprofits as coalitions of best practices arose; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, NLEI launches its Hispanic Heritage Annual event;
WHEREAS, in 2012, NLEI hosts the Latino Veterans Awards and is approved for the American G.I. Bill; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, NLEI expands its community services to Aurora with a satellite site; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Health and wellness in core programming expands having been recognized by national organizations including Life Source, the Kidney Association, and Lung Association, among others.
WHEREAS, in 2013, NLEI’s campus becomes an extension training site for corporations such as McDonald’s Corporation.
WHEREAS, in 2014, The Emerging Leaders Board is established and;
WHEREAS, in 2014, NLEI becomes an IL Summer Youth Jobs grantee; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, NLEI receives capital funds to upgrade the facility; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, NLEI secures approvals for Bilingual Pharmacy Technician and Professional Office Management programs; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, NLEI launches a new training offerings in Renewable Energy; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, NLEI launches the Alumni Awards highlighting notable alumni; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, NLEI launches a new training offering in allied health for Healthcare Institutions in partnership with Advocate Aurora Healthcare; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, NLEI secures national accreditation renewal through 2023;and
WHEREAS, in 2021, NLEI is awarded funding for its campus on Pershing Road for enhanced safety and energy efficiency.
WHEREAS, each year NLEI places hundreds of job seekers in industrial, clerical and professional positions with over 300 companies and directly trains and places over 200 students annually.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate the National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) on its 50th Anniversary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) in honor of its outstanding community work and may continue servicing the community.
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