Aspire Wins $9.2 Million Grant To Revolutionize Job Training for Young People With Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

Chicagoland nonprofit, Aspire, has received a $9.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to support a bold new job training model designed to tackle both unemployment for people with disabilities and labor shortages for businesses. The initiative includes ten weeks of hands-on job training in a simulated warehouse environment, classroom learning, and job-shadowing experiences with partners like Wesco, Parts Town, KeHE, and Holman. The program has shown significant advantages for hiring talent with disabilities, including 50 per cent lower turnover rates, 33 per cent fewer safety incidents, and 25 per cent higher productivity levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The grant will support a job training model for young people with disabilities in the warehousing and distribution industry, with other sectors to follow.
  • The program includes ten weeks of hands-on job training, classroom learning, and job-shadowing experiences with partners.
  • The simulated work environment was made possible through the support of partners, including equipment and team member time from Parts Town and Wesco.
  • Research shows the significant advantages of hiring talent with disabilities, including 50 per cent lower turnover rates, 33 per cent fewer safety incidents, and 25 per cent higher productivity levels.
  • Aspire's program addresses labor shortages while changing lives, with a focus on developing critical skills and confidence for young people with disabilities.
  • The organization plans to replicate its model across industries and inspire similar programs nationwide.

Statistics:

  • The $9.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education's RSA.
  • 50 per cent lower turnover rates for companies employing people with disabilities.
  • 33 per cent fewer safety incidents for companies employing people with disabilities.
  • 25 per cent higher productivity levels for companies employing people with disabilities.
  • 174 million: the number of people worldwide with disabilities who are out of employment.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE-June 17, 2025-: Aspire Wins $9.2 Million Grant To Revolutionize Job Training for Young People With Disabilities.
  • "About Us" page on the Aspire website.
  • "About Us" page on the Wesco website.
  • "About Us" page on the Parts Town website.