More than 3,000 young people in Chicago are taking a first step toward careers at the first-ever Opportunity Hiring Fair & Forum at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center. Today's event marks the official launch of the 100,0000 Opportunities Initiative, a coalition of Starbucks and leading U.S. companies committed to engaging 100,000 young people in jobs, internships, and apprenticeships by 2018.

Participating companies in collaboration with the Chicago Cook Workforce and more than 40 community-based organizations expect to make hundreds of on-the-spot job offers at the hiring fair & forum, delivering immediate impact for their businesses, the Chicago community, and participating candidates.

Opportunity Job & Resource Fair

Young job seekers are taking part in workshops, on-the-spot mentoring and feedback, college counseling, skills development, and entertaining events and activities.Companies in attendance include:

Alaska Airlines
Chipotle Mexican Grill
CVS Health
Cintas
Domino's
FedEx
Hilton Worldwide
HMSHost
Hyatt
JCPenney
JP Morgan Chase
LYFT
Macy's
Mars
Microsoft
Nordstrom
Pizza Hut
Porch.com
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Prudential
Red Robin
Starbucks
Sweetgreen
Taco Bell
Target
Teavana
T-Mobile
Walgreens
Walmart

CEO Opportunity Roundtables

CEOs of participating companies will discuss how to create meaningful pathways to opportunity for thousands of young people.

Press Conference with CEOs and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel

Participating CEOs and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel will speak to the media about the challenges that young people face in today's economy.

Inspirational Forum

While the first half of the day will be a focused on the job fair, the afternoon will highlight themes of inspiration. The Inspirational Forum will feature Common, a Grammy and Academy Award winning performing artist, music artist Usher, as well as various speakers including U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King who shares his story of perseverance after losing both legs in Afghanistan, The event will close with live performances by will.i.am, Usher and Chance The Rapper.

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

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