Workforce Development
Our workforce development program empowers individuals with the practical skills and training necessary to build successful careers in agriculture, culinary arts, hospitality, and education.
In partnership with the Center for Enriched Living (CEL), we create inclusive, paid employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, offering meaningful roles in our cafe, market, and on our farm. Our commitment is to ensure that at least 10% of our workforce is made up of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Since the inception of the program, we have hired a total of 8 employees across three departments, including culinary, garden and farm, and facilities.
We also support the next generation of professionals by providing internships and career readiness training to local high school students from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in nearby Waukegan.
Since 2024, we have welcomed 7 interns to Elawa Farm, 3 of whom have gone on to join our team in the Market and Educational Programming departments.
Meet our employee, Mark,
and learn more about partnership with CEL.
Elawa Farm’s Workforce Development Program
Featured in the Chicago Tribune
To learn more about our workforce development program, please contact Community Partnership Manager, Karen McGowan at kmcgowan@elawafarm.org.