In the News
CEO & President Karina Ayala-Bermejo, represented Instituto del Progreso Latino at Hispanic Federation's Encuentro Nacional. This week-long national legislative summit in D.C. is bringing together nonprofit and community leaders from across the country to advocate for policies that uplift our community. Instituto CEO & President Ayala-Bermejo spoke at a press conference along with HF CEO Frankie Miranda, Congressman Jesus Garcia, Congressman Maxwell F., and other leaders.
Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President and CEO of Instituto del Progreso Latino joined a coalition of national and community leaders from across the Latino community on Capitol Hill to demand accountability and swift congressional action in response to the Trump administration’s harmful policies. We must continue to call on federal policymakers to challenge these actions as they continue to negatively impact our communities. “This unfair treatment has resulted in fear, which has negatively impacted attendance in our schools, diminished our efforts to combat food insecurity and attempted to create barriers to our citizenship program. This dangerous rhetoric and divisive narrative only increases hate crimes, and creates division in our community and fear for our families. We are the economic fuel that strengthens our nation, and it is time our country acknowledges this.” – Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President and CEO of Instituto del Progreso Latino. Read more HERE.
Last month, friends, graduates, and current students at Roosevelt University gathered for the sixth annual Women’s Leadership Council holiday luncheon. Hosted at the University Club of Chicago, the luncheon is one of the council’s signature events and provides networking opportunities for professional women in a variety of fields. Click the article title or picture to read the full story!
"Thank you Crain's for recognizing me as a 2024 Crain's Notable Latino Leaders alongside with so many superstars and friends. I am honored to celebrate my 7th anniversary as Instituto del Progreso Latino's President & CEO. #LGCeverywhere" - President & CEO Karina Ayala-Bermejo.
Instituto's Project AMOR work was highlighted on CBS News! (October 2024)
Maribel—Raylin and Nicole are remarkable students with such incredible resilience and intelligence. We look forward to doing all we can to support them and all our incredible students. It takes a village! 
President & CEO Karina Ayala-Bermejo partnered with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city of Chicago to wish everyone a vibrant and safe Mexican Independence Day!
It recognizes outstanding individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving their communities. This prestigious award honors those who have made significant contributions through volunteerism, advocacy, and innovative initiatives that address local needs and foster positive change. Recipients of this award exemplify the spirit of selflessness and dedication, inspiring others to engage in community service and make a lasting impact. Their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others sets a powerful example and embodies the true essence of community leadership.
Chicago and Illinois are home to 320,000 undocumented Mexicans and Guatemalans, and 40,000 undocumented Haitians, Jamaicans and Nigerians. They have lived here on average 15 years, contribute $1.5 billion in taxes and make up 26 percent of the workforce despite being only 17 percent of the population. Instituto's President & CEO Karina Ayala-Bermejo joined immigration, labor, faith, and business leaders to urge our federal government to grant legal work authorization permits for undocumented citizens. Click Here to read more.
The founder of a law firm in Chicago is providing $100,000 to an organization on the Lower West Side that helps immigrants in one of the first large-scale monetary donations toward the migrant crisis.Instituto del Progreso Latino, a decades-old nonprofit organization that provides education, training and employment resources to Latino communities, received the donation from David Fish, founder of the law firm Fish Potter Bolaños, P.C. The funds will support the organization’s Asylum Migrant Outreach Response, called Project AMOR. Read more HERE.
(Telemundo Chicago March 2024)
Telemundo Chicago had the chance to sit down with Adult Education teacher Laura Guerrero to discuss in detail all the programs and services Instituto offers for Adult Education and Family Literacy. Click the image above or HERE to view the full video. For more information on these services or to register, click HERE.
As a Number of Migrants Awaiting Placement Dwindles, City Closes, Repurposes Shelters. (WGN 9 News February 2024)
"For more than a year and a half, Chicago has seen a massive influx of migrants coming into the city from the United States’ southern border. But in recent weeks, the number of new arrivals has dwindled. According to city records, as of Tuesday, there were 12,189 residents living in 23 shelters around Chicago, with eight people awaiting placement. A total of more than 36,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago from 822 busses since Aug. 2022, but only three busses have arrived from Texas since Feb. 17. As the numbers have dropped, the city has taken steps to consolidate, and started closing shelters. “I think that’s a step in the right direction,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, CEO of the Instituto del Progresso Latino. “They were never meant to be permanent.” Click HERE to view the full video.
“We have to remember our humanity” - Bank of America grant aims to help migrant families (LawnDale News January 2024)
Since August 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed over 35,000 new arrivals from the southern border and with the continued increase of frequency of buses many officials and local activists have called the historic numbers a humanitarian crisis. Ensuring the crisis is met head on, one organization, Instituto del Progreso Latino, has remained steadfast in its resolve to equip as many new arrivals with the resources they need for long-term success thanks in large part to a grant provided by Bank of America’s 2023 Neighborhood Builders program. Read more HERE.
West, Southwest Side Nonprofits Receive $200K Grants To Expand Employment, Outreach, & Youth development Programs. (Block Club Chicago December 2023)
Bank of America’s grants will allow North Lawndale Employment Network to expand its beekeeping jobs program and fund Instituto del Progreso Latino’s migrant outreach efforts. We are proud to be among the organizations selected by McDonald's and The Chicago Community Trust to be part of the second annual Chicago Community Impacts Grants Program. This will support Instituto's Youth Advancement Opportunities Program, which supports youth to complete high school and go on to post-secondary education. Click HERE for more info.
Looking to Help Migrants and Unhoused Chicagoans This Winter? Here’s What the City Recommends (WTTW Chicago)October 2023 "With winter fast approaching, the city of Chicago is reminding people that asylum seekers and homeless residents are in need of clothing, toiletries and other items." Instituto is featured in an article with WTTW highlighting it's efforts with Project AMOR to support the recent Migrant Arrivals. Thank you for the continued support of our work. For more information or to get involved please visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/wKo/
Chicago alderman, nonprofit host workshop to help migrants apply for Temporary Protected Status(WGN 9) October 2023
"As Chicago faces the task of welcoming nearly 20,000 migrants into the city, a small number are being helped by a troop of volunteers who are trying to ease the burden of government paperwork.34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway and the Instituto del Progreso Latino hosted a workshop to help new arrivals from Venezuela apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which enables migrants from 16 countries designated unsafe by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to legally work and live in the United States for up to 18 months."
Migrant Aid Groups Weigh in on Increase of New Arrivals, Help Needed WGN News(October 2023) Karina Ayala-Bermejo, CEO and President of the Instituto del Progreso Latino and member of the Illinois Latino Agenda, joins WGN-TV Political Report. You can find the city’s Amazon Wishlist to help new arrivals here.
A Chicago College is Helping Fight the Latino Nursing Shortage Happening Across the Country ABC 7 News (September 2023)
With fewer than 8,000 nurses graduating in Illinois each year, bridging the gap is becoming near impossible. Furthermore, in a city where nearly 30% of the population is Latino and only 6% of nurses are- bilingual, bicultural nurses like Coria and Garcia are at a premium. We're hoping to generate as many bilingual, bi-cultural nurses as possible," said Ayala-Bermejo.
A Year Later: Reports on the Ground WGN (September 2023) Thursday marks one year since the first asylum-seeking migrants arrived in Chicago after being bused over from Texas, with some community members commemorating the date, NBC Chicago’s Lexi Sutter reports.
A day with Chicago migrants: Sleeping in tents, Hoping for Progress. WBEZ(July 2023) A team of @WBEZ embedded for a day on Chicago's SW Side to tell the stories of the everyday people helping thousands of migrants and to understand what's at stake across the city. Read more to see how Instituto and other organizations are assisting New Arrivals in Chicago.
"Some advocates say that could be avoided with creative solutions. For example, rather than leases being entered into directly by an asylum seeker, Ayala-Bermejo is proposing nonprofits themselves be the lessees. Ayala-Bermejo said the strategy can ease landlords’ concerns, while nonprofits assume some of the risk and financial liability and continue to work with asylum seekers to provide wraparound services. Ayala-Bermejo said she’s had preliminary discussions with lenders, other nonprofits and the city, including with members of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, about taking “the leap of faith” to pursue a novel approach that she hopes could be a viable long-term solution." Click here to read more.
What's Happening on the Ground for IDPL? WCIU 26 (June 2023) Mayor Lori Lightfoot has declared a state of emergency in Chicago, hoping to free up resources so the city can better respond to the growing migrant crisis. A number of Chicago organizations have banned together to help handle the migrant surge. This includes Instituto Del Progreso Latino. Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President and CEO, joins us in the studio to give us a sense of what's happening on the ground for the organization.
State of Emergency Declared with New Migrants Arrivals Fox News 32 (May 2023) Chicago has seen over 8,000 asylum-seekers enter the city since last summer and about 450 of those people are using police stations as shelters. Title 42 is expected to be lifted on May 11, which may result in even more buses as all of the city's respite centers reach capacity. Watch this interview with CEO Karina Ayala-Bermejo above.
LatinoLeadership under the Next Chicago Mayor WTTW (April 2023) Our COO, Carlos A. Jaramillo, sat down on a panel with WTTW Chicago to speak about what Latino Leadership might look like under the next Chicago Mayor. Please take the time to watch this great panel on WTTW with Instituto del Progreso Latino COO Carlos A. Jaramillo, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, and Manuel Perez. " It is great to see more Latinos in high level positions across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Collectively, however, there is more work to be done..."
- Instituto del Progreso Latino COO, Carlos Jaramillo
Chicago Teens Testing Political Waters In Iowa WBEZ (January 2020)
Students from Instituto Health Sciences and Career Academy, along with English teacher Sabrina Anfossi-Kareem and other students from Naperville, Buffalo Grove and North Chicago, canvassed in Des Moines, Iowa for Democratic candidates ahead of the first 2020 presidential caucus on February 3, 2020. This trip was organized by Mikva Challenge. Students also attended a caucus set up youth summit to discuss issues they care about, including climate change, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues and jobs for teens.
Students Seek More Latinx Exhibits at Chicago History Museum CBS News, Channel 2 (November 2019)
On Thursday, November 14, 2019, students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy met with six members of the Chicago History Museum’s staff and leadership to share their concerns regarding Latinx representation in the museum and to discuss their petition for change following their visit to the museum in September. The students have also requested the museum to work with them to develop a pan-Latinx advising council to help the museum address these issues in consideration for future projects. Together, the students and the museum staff set a date for a second meeting on December 3 to discuss ways to address the students’ concerns and expectations.
Chicago History Museum pushed to better represent Latinos by CPS Students Chicago Sun Times (November 2019)
After a field trip to the museum in September,students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy raised concerns regarding a standalone Latinx exhibit in the Chicago History Museum. They created a petition and protested to advocate for better Latinx representation. On Thursday, November 14, 2019, students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy met with six members of the Chicago History Museum’s staff and leadership to share their concerns regarding Latinx representation in the museum and to discuss their petition for change following their visit to the museum in September.
Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy Students Meet with CHM Leaders Chicago History Museum (November 2019)
After a field trip to the museum in September,students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy raised concerns regarding a standalone Latinx exhibit in the Chicago History Museum. They created a petition and protested to advocate for better Latinx representation. On Thursday, November 14, 2019, students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy met with six members of the Chicago History Museum’s staff and leadership to share their concerns regarding Latinx representation in the museum and to discuss their petition for change following their visit to the museum in September. The museum released this statement.
Cyber-ESL Model for Adult Students Social Innovations Journal (April 2017)
Instituto's Cyber-ESL program has completed a successful pilot program that demonstrates a new model of delivering quality ESL instruction to adult learners through a blended learning approach. The initial results of the program evaluation demonstrate significant increase in retention and learning outcomes, signaling a viable method to expand ESL services and fill an unmet need for many learners.
An Innovative Bicultural/Bilingual Model Social Innovations Journal (April 2017)
For over ten years, Instituto's Carreras en Salud has provided a solution for families to move up the economic ladder while addressing the ongoing nursing shortage and the need for bilingual healthcare professionals. The program's results demonstrate that Instituto's unique model of contextualized education, significant supportive services, and curriculum based on industry needs allows low-skilled and/or limited-English proficient adults to enter a promising career, build greater stability, and support our broader economy.
El Progreso No Acaba Aquí: El Instituto Celebra 40 Años de Impacto en Chicago Lawndale News (April 2017)
El 27 de abril del 2017 marca 40 años de innovadora educación y programación de carreras en el Instituto del Progreso Latino, líder en la comunidad latina de Chicago, con el desarrollo más amplio de fuerza laboral, educación para adultos y espacios de educación juvenil.
Nonprofit hopes to set up Chicago as Silicon Valley of food industry Chicago Tribune (April 2017)
The launch of the Food and Beverage Manufacturing network represents a milestone in this important and growing sector of Chicago. Instituto will be collaborate with the network to develop curriculum for employees to grow their skills and move up the career ladder, meeting employer needs for their workforce.
Better Makers: Instituto raises $390,000 at 40th Anniversary Gala Make it Better Foundation (March 2017)
Instituto's generous supporters, sponsors, and community partners joined us for an exciting evening to celebrate 40 years in the community and support the organization's future.
New Program Trains People to Get Retail Jobs DNA Info (December 2016)
The launch of Instituto's Retail Program represents its newest career pathway, supporting low-skilled workers to gain valuable skills and training to move up the career ladder in their industry. Find out more about the Retail Training Institute here.
Financial Programs go Deeper Than the Dollar in Chicago Next City (November 2016)
More then just financial literacy, Instituto is working to bridge the gap between financial institutions and low income communities.
6 Innovative School Leaders Who Are Disrupting Traditional Education 74 Million (May 2016)
Juan Salgado is named one of the nation's innovative school leaders who is re-imagining education opportunities for our students.
Financial Literacy at Instituto's Financial Opportunity Center Comcast Newsmakers (April 2016)
Yesenia Cervantes, Director the the Instituto Financial Opportunity Center, joins Comcast Newsmakers to discuss the many financial and career resources available at Instituto.
City Club of Chicago: Making a Difference for Chicago Youth in 2016 WGN Radio (April 2016)
Juan Salgado joins Chicago community leaders for thought provoking conversation on the state of the city for our youth and where we can make meaningful changes for them.
Programa de Escalera Telemundo (February 2016)
Aprende sobre nuestro programa, Escalera, que ayuda a los estudiantes secundarias preparar para sus futuros en la universidad o carreras exitosas.
The American Dream Isn't Dead. This is How Immigrant Families are Achieving It. NationSwell (November 2015)
"The adult vocational training school appears modest on the surface. Yet dig in, and you'll find an educational program with a surprisingly high 80% graduation rate - better than most high schools and college degree programs across the nation - and a radical approach to community support. Whats the Instituto doing? It's asking poverty-level working parents to give up their evenings (over the course of three or more years) to improve their potential for employment through language and vocational training. It's promising to lift families out of poverty and fulfill their American dreams. And it's working."
Juan Salgado profiled in 2015 People Issue, Chicago Reader (November 2015)
"Communities like ours are only as strong as the human capital they can retain and attract. If people here can get access to better economic opportunities, if they can increase their earnings while staying in their communities, then we have healthy and livable communities. We have places where families can raise their kids." - Juan Salgado
'Genius Grant' Winner from Little Village works to Lift Up Latinos, DNA Info Chicago (October 2015)
"We're about creating new and better ways of taking people who have been overlooked or underserved by the educational systems and getting that right for them here" - Juan Salgado
Adult Education & Workforce Training: Investing in the Skills Development of Hispanics (October 2015)
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics identifies Instituto's Carreras en Salud program as an example of effective adult education and workforce training for immigrants.
Amar al projimo a traves de la educacion, Telmundo Enfoque (September 2015)
"Mis padres me inculcaron valores de amar al projimo y una forma de llevar ese amor a nuestra comunidad, a nuestro pueblo, es a traves de la educacion porque es una herramienta muy necesaria para el progreso de nuestra families." - Juan Salgado
MacArthur 'Genius' Focuses on Immigrant Education, NPR Here & Now (September 2015)
"Instituto is able to do our work in Chicago because we are a welcoming city, because we area city of immigrants. We are making America better in immigrant communities today" - Juan Salgado
Juan Salgado awarded 2015 MacArthur Fellowship (September 2015)
Instituto President and CEO is awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellow Award for his leadership and ingenuity in immigrant integration and education.
Clases de Ingles ciberneticos Telemundo (August 2015)
El programa CYBER-ESL proviene opciones flexibles y gratis para aprender ingle. Hagan el programa en una computadora con un horario fleixble y el apoyo individualisado de una maestra por el telefono y email.
Your Money Matters, WGN (June 15, 2015)
Aurora Ibarra, Instituto Carreras en Salud graduate, and Juan Salgado discuss the economic impact of Instituto's career pathway programs.
Task Force Breaks New Ground on Immigrant Integration, The Hill (April 17, 2015)
Juan Salgado joins Brenda Dann-Messier in their op-ed discussing the recent report by the White House Task Force on New Americans, recognizing that is breaks important new ground for immigrant integration and that its recommendations represent a step forward to be build upon.
Grads Show Promise of Community College, Chicago Tribune (February 1, 2015)
The Chicago Tribune profiles Juan Salgado and others on their success as a community college students.
Can TV: Perspectivas Latinas (February 11, 2014)
Instituto's Claudia Regalado and Cynthia Nambo discuss Instituto's innovative programs and schools with Can TV.
Mayor Emanuel Announces EITC Campaign (February 11, 2014)
Mayor Emanuel joined us at Instituto to announce the launch of the EITC campaign and highlighted the 20 sites around Chicago, including Instituto, that will be offering free tax services to families.
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