CHICAGO – In an effort to combat record high unemployment rates during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor announced two new grants aiming to create nearly 1,300 jobs across the state. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging job seekers to apply.

“This pandemic has shown us that there is a need for a different kind of essential worker,” Hunter said. “Workers such as contract tracers and food pantry workers are needed now more than ever. Many people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 should consider these positions, which not only gives them a source of income but helps to serve their community in a time of need.”

CHICAGO - Local students and residents attended an alternative, educational career fair hosted by State Sen. Mattie Hunter on Tuesday at VanderCook College of Music.

Sen. Hunter's Alternative Pathways Career Fair offered creative and diverse occupational opportunities including the military, cosmetology, massage therapy and the performing arts.

"We’re helping connect Chicago students with non-traditional post high school opportunities, as they create their own unique path to adulthood,” Hunter said. “In addition to empowering interested teens with the many alternative routes outside of a traditional four-year college experience, we’re also giving recruiters access to Chicago’s brightest youth. Encouraging young people to map out their plans following high school, is crucial in this day and age.”

The event was open to high school teens, parents and adults seeking alternative educational career opportunities.

CHICAGO, IL - On Tuesday, April 26th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago – 3rd District) will host a career fair at VanderCook College of Music, located at 3125 S. Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616. This free event, which is open to the public, will include workshops and will feature over 30 representatives from vocational and trade schools. The event is the sequel to a successful November 2015 college fair that brought over 200 local Chicago students out.

“We’re helping connect Chicago students with non-traditional post high school opportunities, as they create their own unique path to adulthood. In addition to empowering interested teens with the many alternative routes outside of a traditional 4-year college experience, we’re also giving recruiters access to Chicago’s brightest youth. Encouraging young people to map out their plans following high school, is crucial in this day and age,” says Hunter.

The event is open to high school teens, parents and adults seeking alternative educational and career opportunities. The Alternative Schools Network and VanderCook College of Music are the co-sponsors of this career fair. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and prepare questions for the vocational and trade school recruiters.

Confirmed participants include the African American Contractors Association; Dudley Beauty College; Cain’s Barber College; The Illinois Institute of Art; Community Insurance Center, a division of Inner-City Underwriting Agency Inc.; City Colleges of Chicago; St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Development Ministries, Inc.; Coldwell Banker Residential Services; U.S. Armed Forces; The Soma Institute; Illinois Media School; Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy; Chicago Police Education and Training Academy; MABMA Enterprises LLC: Chicago Security Training Concepts and many more.

For more information or to register for the event, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.SenatorHunter.com, or call the District Office of Senator Mattie Hunter at (312) 949-1908 or the Springfield Office at (217) 782-0970. This event is free and open to the public.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Steve Pemberton, author and Walgreens executive, received the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) Leadership award for being a consistent champion for addiction treatment and fair criminal justice policies.

Hunter described the challenges Illinois is facing, including the struggle to promote equality in the criminal justice system and highlighted some of the successful legislative partnerships between her and TASC.