Olive-Harvey College expands forklift educational training program to George Washington High School students, and for the first time, offering a credit course at its South Chicago campus

CHICAGO—(June 3, 2026) – Today, Olive-Harvey College (OHC) announced it expanded its forklift educational training program to its satellite campus in South Chicago. The new class, featuring an inaugural dual-credit class for students from George Washington High School, gives individuals the skills that can unlock jobs while also teaching important workplace expertise like spatial awareness and safety compliance. And for the first time ever, a college credit class that leads to a degree will be offered at Olive-Harvey College South Chicago Campus.

To celebrate this expansion, leadership from City Colleges of Chicago, Olive-Harvey College, George Washington High School, 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico, along with other special guests, gathered for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This expansion directly aligns with our mission to create clear, accessible pathways to high-demand careers for students,” said President Kimberly Hollingsworth, Olive-Harvey College. “By offering hands-on training right here in our community, we are equipping young people with the credentials and college credits they need to thrive in Chicago’s transportation, distribution, logistics and manufacturing sectors.”

The intensive 3.5-day program prepares students to become safe and effective forklift operators, opening doors to higher skilled jobs.

“With this new forklift certification, I plan to apply for a job at a car plant. I think earning the certification from Olive-Harvey College gave me a leg-up in my job search. It was fun too,” said Isael Hernandez, George Washington High School Class of 2026 graduate.

In the class, students will learn foundational theory followed by practical, hands-on forklift training on-site. Upon completion, students will earn a basic certificate from Olive-Harvey College at no cost to them or their families. Upon completion students can earn high school and college credits.

“This past spring, 14 graduating seniors from Washington HS successfully completed OHC’s Forklift Training and Certification program at the main campus. Students shared that the experience left them feeling empowered and grateful for the opportunity to graduate with an industry recognized credential. Programs like this help students see that there are many pathways to success,” said Alfreda Eddings-Walls, Early College Liaison.

Later this summer, the Forklift Operation program will be open to the general public. This class qualifies as Future Ready (www.ccc.edu/futureready), an initiative that helps eligible Chicagoans prepare for in-demand careers at no cost. For more information call 312-COLLEGE or visit www.ccc.edu.

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About City Colleges of Chicago: As the city’s most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility and racial equity, City Colleges of Chicago catalyzes our students’ capacity to prosper and take part in building a stronger and more just Chicago.

Media Contact: Veronica Resa, City Colleges of Chicago, (e) vresa1@ccc.edu

Photo Credit; J. Augustyn