Mayor Brandon Johnson is teaming up with City Colleges of Chicago and the University of Chicago to boost healthcare education and job opportunities in Chicago's South Side. An expansion of healthcare programs and the addition of new facilities have been announced, designed to support South Side residents with access to affordable education and growing healthcare careers.

Englewood's Kennedy-King College is set to offer a full nursing pathway, including an associate degree in nursing and various other programs. The expansion capitalizes on the partnership with the University of Chicago and UChicago Medicine, promising to create around 600 jobs in Washington Park. "I applaud the partnership and the investment in our great South Side that this project represents," Mayor Johnson said, as reported by Chicago.gov.

The University of Chicago and UChicago Medicine intend to break ground in 2025 for two new facilities, which will bring approximately 600 jobs to the neighborhood, along with vital educational opportunities. Chancellor Juan Salgado of City Colleges of Chicago emphasized the transformational potential of the project, saying, "We are thrilled to expand access to City Colleges’ quality, affordable healthcare education and provide connections to in-demand healthcare careers for residents of the South Side."

Reacting to the announcement, University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos shared his excitement over the undertaking with Chicago.gov, stating, "Together, we will not only help address the immense unmet demand for health care professionals throughout the region, but through our efforts to educate, train, and employ individuals from our local communities, we are investing in the creation of a more robust service network that will elevate the collective health and wealth of us all."

In addition to education expansion, the project looks to address a significant shortage in clinical lab tech positions in the area. Data shows that UChicago Medicine often struggles to hire qualified candidates, with these roles remaining vacant longer than other healthcare positions. Mark Anderson, University of Chicago's Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, told Chicago.gov, "Our plans in Washington Park will train and empower a more diverse workforce, and also support the growing clinical needs of our medical campus."