Get certified in weeks, not years.

TechQuity Chicago is a 100% free, short-term training initiative designed to help Chicagoans break into high-demand tech careers—fast. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upskill, we provide the training, certifications, and employer connections you need to succeed.

  • Multiple location across Chicago for max flexibility
  • Career development services and support
  • No experience required!

Our Goal: Tech + Equity for Chicago

TechQuity Chicago is more than just training—it's a movement to create equitable access to tech-based careers for all Chicagoans. We are focused on:

District-Wide Collaboration: One Vision, Multiple Campuses

TechQuity Chicago is a district-wide initiative housed within the Center of Excellence in Business to ensure consistent quality while leveraging each college's unique strengths

Inclusive Access Tech for All

We're creating inclusive pathways to tech and business careers—removing barriers and expanding opportunity for all Chicagoans

Industry-Connected Training Built on Industry Demand

Every program is developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring students gain job-ready skills and certifications that employers need

Career Focused Results: $50K–$100K Earning Potential

Graduates can land high-paying jobs with industry-recognized credentials that make them ready to work from day one

Certification Programs That Launch Careers

  • What it is: A great follow-up to the Cybersecurity Networking–CompTIA Network + course, where those looking for more than entry-level positions can learn the core concepts of cybersecurity, including threat management, risk mitigation, and security infrastructure.
  • Job Prospects: Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Information Security Specialist
  • Salary Range: $65,000–$100,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 33%
  • What it is: Develop the skills needed to set up and manage computer networks, a critical foundation for cybersecurity careers.
  • Job Prospects: Network Administrator, IT Support Specialist, Network Engineer
  • Salary Range: $55,000–$80,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 33%
  • What it is: Learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations in a variety of industries make informed decisions for a wide array of purposes.
  • Job Prospects: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Specialist, Market Research Analyst
  • Salary Range: $55,000–$85,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 15%
  • What it is: Learn the fundamentals of digital marketing, including social media strategy, content creation, SEO, email marketing, and analytics tools to drive business growth and customer engagement.
  • Job Prospects: Social Media Specialist, Digital Marketing Coordinator, Content Strategist, SEO Specialist
  • Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 10%
  • What it is: Gain foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning, with hands-on training in AWS cloud-based AI solutions.
  • Job Prospects: AI Technician, Machine Learning Support Analyst, Data Science Associate
  • Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 40%
  • What it is: Understand the fundamentals of financial markets, investment products, and regulatory requirements for a career in finance.
  • Job Prospects: Financial Services Representative, Investment Analyst, Broker Trainee
  • Salary Range: $50,000–$90,000 annually
  • Projected Job Growth: 6%

Note: Salary ranges were drawn from BLS for SOC-coded roles and Glassdoor/Indeed for emerging roles.

How It Works

  1. Attend an Info Session—Learn more about the programs and ask questions
  2. Choose Your Program and Enroll—Pick a career path that fits your goals
  3. Submit an Interest Form—Let us know you’re ready to get started
  4. Enroll in a Program—Our staff will help you secure a spot in a cohort
  5. Get Hands-on Training and Certification Prep Support—Build real-world skills and prepare for certification exams
  6. Earn Industry Credentials—Certify in Network+, Security+, Data Analytics, or AI/Machine Learning (with AWS or Google)
  7. Get Connected to Employers—Attend exclusive networking events and explore work-based learning opportunities

Submit the Interest Form

Employers & Partners

Why Partner with City Colleges on the TechQuity Chicago Initiative?

  • Access to diverse, job-ready tech talent trained in today’s most in-demand skills
  • Internship & mentorship opportunities to engage with future industry professionals
  • Strengthen Chicago’s workforce by investing in tech education and career pipelines

Ways to Partner with TechQuity Chicago and City Colleges

  • Hire TechQuity Graduates—Gain access to skilled, certified candidates ready to work
  • Become an Advisory Council Partner—Help shape the curriculum and future workforce
  • Host an Info Session—Connect with students eager to join the tech sector

Partner With Us