Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation celebrates grand opening

City leaders and developers recently celebrated the grand opening of The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation at 5500 W. Madison. Planned by Westside Health Authority and Austin Coming Together, the project has repurposed the former Emmet Elementary School, one of 50 schools closed in 2013 by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

With Lamar Johnson Collaborative serving as the architect, the Aspire Center is a multi-use facility that includes an advanced manufacturing training center, small business incubator, community hub, and event space. Specific on-site services will include job readiness and vocational training, financial coaching, and employment services. 

Austin Coming Together will operate a walk-in community hub in the new center to provide resources to anyone in need. The project is anticipated to create 50 permanent jobs and train more than 2,000 workers over the next five years.

The $40.9 million project was supported by $12.25M in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance as well as $10 million in state funds secured by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford.