Awards and Recognition
Instituto is proud to create and provide nationally recognized programs and services to Chicago area families.
2023: Instituto honored by Hispanic Federation Raises More Than $3 Million At Star-Studded Benefit! Gala Actress and director Stephanie Beatriz, Nuveen CEO Jose Minaya, T-Mobile, and Instituto del Progreso Latino headline list of gala honorees Gala chaired by award-winning songwriter, actor, director and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
"“We are thrilled to receive this most special of awards from the Hispanic Federation,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, Instituto del Progreso’s President and CEO. “It is always great to be recognized for the work you do in the community, but it is especially meaningful when it comes from an organization that is very much family. Like the Federation, Instituto’s work is centered on building power and greater access and opportunities for Latinos and their families. This work requires great leadership, teamwork, and financial support. Fortunately, we’re blessed to be able to count on the commitment and hard work of an amazing board and staff in Chicago, and community partners like the Federation. Gracias, Hispanic Federation.”
"“We are thrilled to receive this most special of awards from the Hispanic Federation,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, Instituto del Progreso’s President and CEO. “It is always great to be recognized for the work you do in the community, but it is especially meaningful when it comes from an organization that is very much family. Like the Federation, Instituto’s work is centered on building power and greater access and opportunities for Latinos and their families. This work requires great leadership, teamwork, and financial support. Fortunately, we’re blessed to be able to count on the commitment and hard work of an amazing board and staff in Chicago, and community partners like the Federation. Gracias, Hispanic Federation.”
2019: Findings from the Implementation and Early Impact Report from Pathways for Advancing Careers in Education show that Carreras en Salud students earned more credentials, particularly from licensing or certification organizations and reported less financial hardship.
2019: Chicago's Fresh Approach to Incumbent Worker Training from the Aspen Institute showcases Instituto's Retail Career Pathway program and partnership with Pete's Fresh Market, developing a mutually beneficial relationship and designing a customer service and sales training curriculum customized for Pete’s, based on the National Retail Federation (NRF) credential.
2018: Early Impact Report from Pathways for Advancing Careers in Education shows that Carreras en Salud can lead to increased employment and higher earnings for low-income, low-skilled adults
2019: Chicago's Fresh Approach to Incumbent Worker Training from the Aspen Institute showcases Instituto's Retail Career Pathway program and partnership with Pete's Fresh Market, developing a mutually beneficial relationship and designing a customer service and sales training curriculum customized for Pete’s, based on the National Retail Federation (NRF) credential.
2018: Early Impact Report from Pathways for Advancing Careers in Education shows that Carreras en Salud can lead to increased employment and higher earnings for low-income, low-skilled adults
2017: Research shows that Cyber-ESL improves 58% of participants reading scores.
2017: Instituto celebrates its 40th anniversary!
2015: Instituto's President and CEO selected to join the prestigious MacArthur Fellows Class of 2015 recognizing his significant community leadership and innovative approach to education in the Latino immigrant community.
2010-2015: Selected as one of six organizations nationally to participate in Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2014: National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) Exemplary Program Award
2012: Cited as an example of effective contextualization in Bridge Programs by the U.S. Department of Education in Adult College Completion Tool Kit.
2011: White House Champion of Change in Service and Social Innovation Award.
2010: Created State of Illinois Career Pathways training manual: How to Build Bridge Programs that Fit into a Career Pathway
2010: Excelencia in Education Award, Associate Level
2009: National Council of La Raza Affiliate of the Year Award
2008: U.S. Department of Labor Recognition of Excellence Award.
2008: The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the NCLR Strengthening Hispanic Families Award.
2008: Bellwether Workforce Development Award Finalist.
2007: Illinois Council for Continuing Higher Education Program of the Year.
One of six pathway programs in the nation selected to participate in The Aspen Institute Workforce Strategies Initiative for the Courses to Employment Project.
Identified as one of top three- and the most comprehensive - Career Pathways programs in the nation by the National Research Center for Career and technical Education at the University of Minnesota