Instituto del Progreso Latino of Chicago, Illinois

Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) of Chicago, Illinois was incorporated in 1977 to meet the needs of Latino immigrants to learn English, find employment, accustom their children to the U.S. educational systems, and adjust to life in Chicago in a myriad of ways.  Since its inception, Instituto has been a story of hope, perseverance, and community triumph.

Instituto’s mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training and employment that fosters full participation in the changing United States society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.

In the last 30 years, Instituto has emerged as a pioneering voice in the education and training of Latina/o immigrants and their families in Chicago. Instituto started as a church-based volunteer program offering recent Latina/o immigrants the opportunity to learn English, find employment, and accustom their children to the U.S. educational systems. Instituto has now evolved into a leading city, state and regional educational institution catering to over 14,000 participants and families annually.  Instituto helps participants advance their basic academic skills, obtain a high school diploma, pass the GED exam, become U.S. citizens, and increase their job skills. Instituto also provides assistance with employment opportunities.

Instituto recently opened Chicago’s first charter school that focuses on the health sciences, Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy.

Instituto’s vision is to drive the movement of immigrant integration by stimulating the economy with highly skilled and educated workers. Instituto believes that real change can be achieved by investing in human capital and in our next generation of leaders.

Instituto believes that education is power – the power and freedom to live and enjoy the best of what this country has to offer. It is the power to provide for our families and ensure a better quality of life.

To learn more about Instituto, including how to make a donation, please visit Instituto’s website: www.idpl.org.