CTA’s Second Chance Program is a nationally recognized program that provides valuable job skills and career opportunities to Chicago residents who often face challenges re-entering the workforce.
The Second Chance Program takes a holistic approach to preparing individuals to be self-sufficient. It not only provides jobs to returning residents, victims of abuse and others who face barriers to employment, but also offers a wide range of training, education, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Since 2011, the program has doubled in size to become one of the largest re-entry programs in the country. So far, more than 3,200 Chicagoans have participated—gaining experience they might not have received elsewhere. Nearly 1250 have successfully completed the program. More than 725 Second Chance participants have been hired permanently by CTA, with many others moving on to private-sector jobs. Program alums have held about 1100 positions at CTA including management.
The program has helped hundreds of people turn their lives around and provide for their families.
How to apply
The Second Chance Program is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for temporary full-time positions for the Second Chance Program Apprentices.
If you are interested in opportunities with the Second Chance Program, please refer to the list below of CTA’s agency partners who support residents across the Chicagoland area. To apply, you must be referred by one of the listed agencies. We encourage you to reach out to our partner organizations to explore their employment resources.
Thank you for your interest in CTA’s Second Chance Program. We look forward to the possibility of serving you in the future.
The Cara Program
237 S. Desplaines Street
Chicago, IL 60661
312-798-3300
www.carachicago.org
Howard and Evanston Community Center
7637 N. Paulina
Chicago, IL 60626
773-262-3515
www.howardevanston.org
Hope Center Foundation
10909 S Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60628
773-371-2330
hopecenterchicago.org
Safer Foundation
808 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
872-999-2560 x2526
[email protected]
St Leonard’s Ministries/ Michael Barlow Center
The Michael Barlow Center of St. Leonard's Ministries
2120 W. Warren Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
312-226-6270
www.slministries.org
St Sabina’s Employment Resource Center
7825 S Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60620
773-783-3760
https://saintsabina.org/
Westside Health Authority
Community Re-Entry & Employment Center
5417 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60651
773-786-0226 x2100
healthauthority.org
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Job seekers interested in participating must:
- Reside within the City of Chicago
- Be 18 years or older
- Participate in an approved Job Readiness Training Program and obtain a certificate of completion (Referrals only accepted by one of our agency partners).
Second Chance Program applicants are required to be released from the following:
- Drug/alcohol treatment program
- Work release center
How many Second Chance Program positions are available?
Up to 315 Second Chance Program participants may be employed by CTA at one time. Start and end dates per Second Chance Program participant are on a rolling basis.
How long does the program last?
Based on job performance and attendance, a participant may participate for 12 months.
How much does the program pay?
Participants are paid at a rate of $16.67 per hour and may work up to 40 hours per week. Pay checks are issued on a bi-weekly pay period. Also, participants receive the benefit of free transportation on CTA's buses and trains, Pace suburban buses as well as Metra -- for the duration of their employment.
Once I am invited to apply to the program, what happens?
- Applicants will complete an application.
- Applicants attend the Program Overview & Interview.
- Applicants are fingerprinted for background processing.
- Applicants compete a medical review.
Once I am selected to participate in the program, what are the next steps?
- Orientation
- Applicants attend a new employee orientation thoroughly outlining program guidelines, eligibility requirements, job functions, placements, and Union participation.
- Training
- Participants are required to complete (paid) training prior to reporting to assigned work location.
Once in the program, what are the expectations?
- Remain engaged with referring agency.
- Come to work everyday and on-time.
- Adhere to all CTA rules, policies and procedures.
- Be available to work any shift assigned at any location (CTA is a 24-hour operation).
What happens when the participant successfully completes the program?
- After 12 months, participants in good standing will receive a certificate of completion and letter of reference from CTA.
- Those who successfully complete the program will have gained advanced skills to compete for permanent positions.
- Program graduates are encouraged to apply for CTA vacancies.
Who can you call if you have questions?
If you still have questions about this program, you can contact the CTA Second Chance Hotline - 1-312-681-2293.