Chicago Jesuit Academy students explore career options at Jewel-Osco
According to a recent survey by Axios, Jewel-OSCO is Chicago’s most popular grocery store. The chain recently celebrated its 125th anniversary by investing in Chicago’s youth.
CHICAGO – A recent survey by Axios showed that Jewel-Osco is Chicago’s most popular grocery store.
The chain recently celebrated its 125th anniversary by investing in Chicago’s youth.
More than 20 eighth-grade boys from Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA) recently got a taste of what it takes to run a grocery store.
“We want people to know it’s more than just bagging groceries,” said Jennifer Greshman, Jewel-Osco’s human resources director. “We have part-time jobs, we have full-time jobs, we have training programs, we have trades, we have carpenters, we have pipefitters, we have drivers. We want people to know that they can build a career out of this.” “
This program is made possible through a partnership with Jewel-Osco and PepsiCo, who presented CJA with a check for $50,000. The funds will be used to provide career exposure and skills development to students.
“I can tell you that one of my eighth-graders probably wants to go into industry after high school,” said CJA Program Assistant Alzario Palmer. “When we went into the back room and saw the electrician’s room and the water pump, a light bulb went off in his head.”
One of the principles of CJA is to prepare students for life outside the classroom.
“You can’t always use what you learn in school,” said Jamal Gilmore, an eighth-grader. “The outside world is different than the skills you acquire in school. So I feel like there’s a difference. You need to learn those skills to get ahead in life and get the knowledge you need. .”
Over the past four years, Jewel-Osco has hired 51 graduates from CJA. The store accepts students once they turn 16, giving these eighth-graders the opportunity to interview potential employers before entering high school.
“You get a head start on knowing their personality and what they’re looking for,” Gilmore said. “I also learned about the application process. What questions to ask? I also learned about the importance of dressing to make a good impression, because first impressions are everything.”
