CHICAGO – Today, award-winning technology and leadership workforce nonprofit, i.c.stars, announced that its Co-Founder and CEO Sandee Kastrul is transitioning to a new role as the Chief Innovation Officer for the nonprofit’s Innovation lab.
In recent years, there has been a prominent shift in the way we think about the workplace. Many jobs have migrated out of offices and into employees’ homes, giving rise to an unprecedented blending of work and life. As the home and office become one, there is greater visibility into the lives of employees, and how they show up to work as their true, authentic selves..
i.c.stars, a Chicago-based workforce technology nonprofit organization, opened a new headquarters at 750 N. Orleans in River North with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. The expansion aims to double its capacity, accommodate two cohorts simultaneously in learning studios, and allow i.c.stars alumni to work remotely while supporting future program growth, according to a recent press release by the organization.
i.c. stars – a Chicago-based workforce non-profit organization focused on tech training and leadership for low-income adults – officially opened its new office space with a ribbon cutting ceremony and announcement of its program expansion.
i.c.stars hosted a ribbon cutting formally opening its new headquarters space in the heart of Chicago (750 N. Orleans) this week allowing the nonprofit to double its capacity operating two cohorts simultaneously in its learning studios. The new office allows i.c.stars alumni to work remotely as well as future program expansion.
i.c.stars shared details of its expanded hiring partnership with United Airlines, and a new pilot program with New Moms, a fellow Chicago nonprofit organization.
“Now we’re able to grow not only our enrollment, but our alumni on staff, our impact, and innovation,” said Sandee Kastrul, a former teacher who founded i.c.stars.
i.c.stars provides low-income young adults the skills and network they need to secure careers in […]
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Eleven non-profit organizations in six countries will receive financial support from the member communities and industry advisory councils of CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce. The announcement of the 2023 award recipients was at ChannelCon 2023, the technology industry’s premier annual conference for vendor-neutral collaboration, innovative ideas and actionable advice.
Molson Coors recently announced a partnership with nonprofit organization Inner-City Computer Stars (i.c.stars). This year’s iteration of the partnership continues the tradition of providing technology training to young adults and encouraging their growth as future leaders in the industry.
During a 16-week training cycle, i.c.stars participants gain valuable experience by working on real-world applications to solve client challenges. As the project sponsor, Molson Coors tasked 12 students with the opportunity to create a revamped companywide internal human resources portal, aimed at enhancing access to HR information and support…
Chicago, July 31, 2023— i.c.stars announced today that CEO Sandee Kastrul will be inducted into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame at the In-Gala on August 3rd. Ms. Kastrul was one of four distinguished leaders in innovation who were honored for their accomplishments in Chicago’s innovation community.
Ms. Kastrul, i.c.stars founder and former teacher, brings a personal awareness of the range of problems and barriers faced by marginalized communities. Her continued relationships in underresourced neighborhoods help assure that program goals remain relevant and impactful. “Diversity is the ultimate driver of innovation” said Kastrul. “Through technology training, community leadership, and wraparound support, we prepare young adults for the jobs and opportunities of the future. We help employers see the value in non-traditional talent pipelines—value to their bottom line and our society. It’s a win-win approach that helps build Chicago’s innovation community.”
“The Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame […]
A former Kansas City Chiefs player is working to create more opportunities for at-risk teens.
Years removed from being a legend on the field, Will Shields is still leading the way and protecting those who need it.
“We actually find tech talent where tech talent isn’t usually found,” Shields said.
The Former Chiefs lineman Will Shields is starting a new nonprofit called I.C.Stars in Kansas City. The goal is to find those great minds that may not have the opportunity to succeed in a tech field and give them one.
“There are over 1 million jobs that are available in the tech industry, and right now is a country we’re sort of behind.” The lineman said
Chiefs Hall of Famer helps open new tech education center in Kansas City by: Kerri Stowell, Makenzie Koch
Shields and Kansas City leaders hosted a ribbon cutting at the new office Thursday morning. It’s located inside the former Harzfeld’s building at 11th and Main streets.
The nonprofit i.c.stars is a tech-based, education and career development program for young people. It focuses on helping high school graduates with leadership training and building a solid foundation of technical training.
Computer Coding, repair, and even building high-end apps are all a part of the high-tech industry and some high-paying jobs for those interested in getting into the field.
It’s a program former Chiefs lineman and NFL Hall of Famer Will Shields has been hoping to bring to Kansas City for close to four years. “It’s about finding tech talent where tech talent usually isn’t found,” Shields said. “It might not be the coolest thing to be in when you’re in high school.” It’s called IC Stars, and Shields says it’s something that works well with his longtime Kansas City charity, Will to Succeed…
