Xchange Chicago to open tech training center in late 2024

A tech workforce and training center will open in Greater Grand Crossing this year. Planned for the former Food and Paper Supply Company building at 7247 S. South Chicago, the center is being planned by Xchange Chicago, a non-profit formed by the Comer Education Campus, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Set to cost $20 million, the project will offer jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities in the tech industry while bringing a first-of-its-kind center to Greater Grand Crossing. Community partners, including CHAMPS Male Mentoring, Ring of Hope, Network for Young Adult Success and Community Neighborhood Initiatives, joined forces with the Comer Campus to create the tech hub. P33, a collaboration between business and tech leaders in the city, is also a partner in the Xchange.

The 28,000-square-foot building will house commercial businesses, as well as a cafe and commercial kitchen operated by local entrepreneurs, said Greg Mooney, president and executive director of the Comer Science and Education Foundation. 

The project received a $5 million community development grant from the city in Spring 2023, but the nonprofit is still raising money to reach the full amount of $20 million.