CTA Expands Citywide Career Fair with Focus on Second Chance Hiring and Workforce Equity (Chicago, IL) – The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), in partnership with local government agencies, nonprofits and business leaders, will host the Spring 2026 Citywide Career Fair on April 22 at Olive-Harvey College, bringing together more than 75 employers and thousands of job opportunities for area residents.
The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Side campus, is one of the region’s largest collaborative hiring efforts between public and private sector organizations. This year’s fair places a strong emphasis on “Fair Chance” hiring practices, aligning with Second Chance Month, a national initiative focused on expanding employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records.
CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said the goal is to create direct pathways from job seeking to employment.
“We’re excited to co-host this event, bringing dozens of employers together in one room so jobseekers who walk in with ambition and hope can walk out with a job offer,” Leerhsen said. “That’s what real opportunity looks like.”
Employers from a wide range of industries—including transportation, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and government—will be on site to meet candidates, discuss openings and, in some cases, extend conditional job offers. Organizers say more than 5,200 positions will be represented.
A key component of this year’s event is its focus on workforce equity. Thirty participating employers have committed to identifying as “Fair Chance” employers, signaling openness to hiring individuals who may face barriers to employment, including returning residents.
City of Chicago Director of Reentry Joseph Mapp emphasized the broader impact of inclusive hiring.
“When we open doors for returning residents, we’re not lowering standards—we’re raising expectations of what equity and access should look like,” Mapp said. “That kind of investment strengthens entire communities.”
The career fair is the result of collaboration among numerous organizations, including the Office of the City Clerk Anna Valencia, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Chicago Public Library, Cook County Bureau of Human Resources and several workforce development nonprofits.
City Clerk Anna Valencia said the event demonstrates the power of coordinated efforts to connect residents with career pathways.
“The Citywide Career Fair is a result of collaboration between government and community organizations to bring Chicagoans the opportunity to explore career paths and find employment,” Valencia said.
Attendees will have access to additional support services, including resume assistance, mock interviews and free professional headshots. The event is organized by industry clusters to help job seekers navigate opportunities more efficiently and connect with employers aligned with their skills and interests.
Organizers encourage applicants to review job listings and apply in advance to improve their chances of securing interviews during the fair. While pre-registration is available, walk-ins are welcome.
The event will take place at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., in Chicago.
Attendees are encouraged to review the list of participating employers at www.chicityclerk.com/
CTA Expands Citywide Career Fair with Focus on Second Chance Hiring and Workforce Equity
