Operation 312

Uncovering Talent. Unlocking Futures.

Operation 312 is a bold workforce development initiative based in Chicago, built to uncover talent, unlock futures, and reshape the city’s economic landscape. Rooted in the belief that talent exists everywhere but opportunity does not, the program is designed to create clear and accessible pathways to growth. By offering structured training tracks, mentorship, technology access, and direct employer pipelines, Operation 312 provides participants with the tools to not only secure employment but to build sustainable and thriving careers.

This program is more than a job-readiness initiative—it is a flagship model for how workforce development can transform individuals, families, and communities. With a 10,000+ sq. ft. headquarters in Chicago, Operation 312 serves as both a training hub and a cultural symbol of empowerment, resilience, and innovation. Its impact reaches far beyond those enrolled, as graduates return to their neighborhoods with the skills, confidence, and resources to drive community-wide change.

Program Focus

Operation 312 is designed for individuals seeking opportunities to grow, develop skills, and pursue careers in high-demand industries. The program takes a comprehensive approach that blends technical training with mentorship and personal development.

Each participant is provided with the technology, training, and encouragement needed to succeed. They gain access to hands-on instruction, practical experience, and connections to employers who are invested in seeing them succeed. This supportive environment allows participants to develop confidence, resilience, and the ability to grow into leaders and innovators within their chosen fields.

By rooting its identity in Chicago’s iconic 312 area code, Operation 312 reflects the city’s character—resilient, hardworking, and ready for growth. It represents a commitment to fostering opportunity, independence, and prosperity.

Core Components

• Quarterly Training Tracks
  Each quarter, participants enter one of several training tracks designed to meet real workforce needs. These tracks cover sectors such as technology, healthcare, business operations, logistics, and creative industries. Training is structured to provide both immediate job readiness and long-term career mobility.

• Flagship Headquarters
  The Operation 312 headquarters is a 10,000+ sq. ft. facility in Chicago designed as a professional and collaborative training environment. More than just classrooms, it includes innovation labs, mentorship lounges, and shared workspaces that simulate real workplace dynamics. This hub provides participants with both a sense of belonging and a platform for growth.

• Technology Access
  Every participant receives a laptop and access to digital resources. This ensures readiness for today’s digital economy and provides the flexibility of hybrid learning environments.

• Mentorship & Coaching
  Participants are matched with professional mentors who provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Group workshops also focus on communication, teamwork, and leadership.

• Employer Pipeline
  Operation 312 has forged partnerships with employers committed to hiring graduates. These pipelines ensure that training translates directly into career opportunities. Employer partners also help shape the program to align with real industry needs.

Impact & Identity

Operation 312 is more than a workforce program—it is a cultural movement tied to the spirit of Chicago. Its name, drawn from the 312 area code, symbolizes the strength, determination, and potential of the city and its people.

The impact is measured not only by the jobs secured but also by the confidence participants build, the stability created for their families, and the vitality brought to neighborhoods across the city. Chicago benefits from a stronger, more skilled workforce, while communities gain renewed hope and opportunity.

Vision for Growth

Operation 312 was designed from the beginning as a scalable flagship model. Its long-term vision is to establish a framework that can be replicated across the country, building a network of workforce hubs that foster independence, prosperity, and opportunity.

Key elements of this vision include:

• Expansion of Training Tracks: New programs in fields such as renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.

• National Employer Network: Partnerships with corporations across the U.S. for broader placement opportunities.

• Innovation in Training Delivery: Enhanced hybrid models, career planning tools, and technology-based learning.

• Community Integration: Satellite hubs in additional neighborhoods to improve access.

• Replication: Establishing new Operation 312 hubs in other major cities.

Through this vision, Operation 312 aims to transform Chicago’s workforce and serve as a model of economic empowerment nationwide.