Olive-Harvey College, Cook County Jail Launch Forklift Certification Program for Incarcerated Residents (Chicago, IL) – Olive-Harvey College has partnered with the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) to launch a new forklift certification program inside the jail, aiming to equip people in custody with industry-recognized credentials and a pathway to stable employment upon release.
The initiative, announced this month, allows participants to earn a forklift operator certification valid for three years. Supporters say the program offers a tangible step toward reentry success by addressing one of the biggest barriers facing formerly incarcerated people: lack of access to job opportunities.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the effort, calling it a model for reentry programs citywide.
“By providing meaningful training like forklift certification, we are helping individuals gain the skills they need to secure stable employment and build better futures for themselves and their families once they return to our communities,” Johnson said.
Release timelines for program participants vary, from six months to two years, but organizers say the benefits extend beyond job readiness.
“This program is about more than forklift training,” said Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth. “It’s about investing in people, dismantling systemic barriers, and providing real opportunities for individuals who have been historically left behind.”
CCDOC leaders also stressed the program’s role in fostering purpose and confidence.
“Forklift training can help rekindle a sense of purpose as individuals re-enter society,” said Dr. Jane Gubser, executive director of CCDOC.
The certification program builds on Olive-Harvey College’s broader mission of expanding access to education and social justice initiatives. The college recently launched its Center for Criminal and Social Justice, which provides services ranging from expungement assistance and legal clinics to “Know Your Rights” seminars, arts programming, and community events.
City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado said the forklift training reflects the system’s belief that education can be transformative.
“By bringing workforce training inside the walls of the correctional system, we’re opening doors to economic opportunity, and helping individuals build a future rooted in hope and purpose,” Salgado said.
Officials said they see the program as a step toward breaking cycles of recidivism by preparing people in custody for in-demand jobs that strengthen both families and communities.
Olive-Harvey College, Cook County Jail Launch Forklift Certification Program for Incarcerated Residents
