Olive-Harvey College Expands Forklift Training to South Chicago, Launches First Credit Course at Satellite Campus (Chicago, IL) – Olive-Harvey College has expanded its forklift educational training program to its South Chicago Learning Center, creating new workforce opportunities for students and marking the first time a college credit course leading toward a degree will be offered at the satellite campus.
The expansion was announced June 3 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by leaders from City Colleges of Chicago, Olive-Harvey College, George Washington High School, 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico and other community stakeholders.
The inaugural class includes dual-credit students from George Washington High School, allowing participants to earn both high school and college credit while gaining industry-recognized forklift certification.
“This expansion directly aligns with our mission to create clear, accessible pathways to high-demand careers for students,” said Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth. “By offering hands-on training right here in our community, we are equipping young people with the credentials and college credits they need to thrive in Chicago’s transportation, distribution, logistics and manufacturing sectors.”
The intensive 3.5-day training program combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on forklift operation experience. Students learn workplace safety, spatial awareness and equipment operation skills designed to prepare them for employment in logistics, warehousing, manufacturing and related industries.
Upon successful completion, students earn a basic certificate from Olive-Harvey College at no cost to themselves or their families.
George Washington High School graduate Isael Hernandez said the program has already helped him prepare for the workforce.
“With this new forklift certification, I plan to apply for a job at a car plant,” Hernandez said. “I think earning the certification from Olive-Harvey College gave me a leg-up in my job search. It was fun too.”
The new South Chicago offering builds on a successful pilot program held earlier this year at Olive-Harvey College’s main campus. According to Early College Liaison Alfreda Eddings-Walls, 14 graduating seniors from George Washington High School completed the forklift training and certification program during the spring semester.
“Students shared that the experience left them feeling empowered and grateful for the opportunity to graduate with an industry recognized credential,” Eddings-Walls said. “Programs like this help students see that there are many pathways to success.”
Later this summer, the forklift operation program will expand to members of the general public through City Colleges of Chicago’s Future Ready initiative, which provides eligible Chicago residents with no-cost training for high-demand careers.
City Colleges officials say the program reflects broader efforts to strengthen workforce development opportunities and improve access to career-focused education in neighborhoods across Chicago.
Olive-Harvey College Expands Forklift Training to South Chicago, Launches First Credit Course at Satellite Campus
