A $100,000 grant from Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI) supports clean energy job training opportunities in the Chicago Southland. Last week, a check presentation was held at OAI’s NICI Clean Energy Training Center in DownTown Park Forest.

The funding will benefit the NICI Southland Clean Energy Training Center located at 210 Main St., part of the nonprofit’s broader Clean Energy Workforce Initiative. The facility features hands-on training areas for electric vehicle (EV) charging station installation, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Clean Energy Bridge Training program, and other green energy workforce development efforts.

NICI Executive Director Tovah McCord presented the check alongside community partners, including representatives from the Village of Park Forest, United Way of Metro Chicago, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, and Proactive Community Services.

The training center continues to serve as a community hub where residents can gain skills in emerging energy technologies, especially those related to EV infrastructure. It also provides a space for employers, educators, and workforce development professionals to collaborate on building a strong pipeline of local talent.

This $100,000 investment is part of NICI’s 2025 Impact Grant program, which has distributed $700,000 to seven organizations across northern Illinois. OAI was selected for its leadership in job training and economic opportunities in historically underserved communities.

OAI, headquartered in the Chicagoland area, offers training and support services across various industries, including transportation, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. OAI officials said the NICI Southland Clean Energy Training Center in Park Forest enhances their ability to provide on-the-ground training in renewable energy careers.

The NICI Clean Energy Training Center builds upon earlier state investments received through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership as part of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, where OAI plays a key role as a leading partner within the Chicago South Hub. While that funding covered training costs, NICI’s grant facilitates the physical space necessary for hands-on instruction.

Programs at the training center are already underway. They aim to prepare Southland residents for sustainable, high-demand jobs in the clean energy sector.