Illinois Tech, located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, is set to strengthen its ties with the community through a new initiative supported by a $2 million federal grant. The project, named the Bronzeville Opportunity Engine, aims to provide skills training for thousands of local residents.

The initiative will transform an entire floor of the university’s Michael Paul Galvin Tower into a space dedicated to training and incubation for small business owners, students from middle school through adulthood, and professionals seeking to update their skills. Alicia Bunton, Illinois Tech’s assistant vice president of community affairs, stated that "the programming will reflect the needs of Bronzeville constituents, whether they’re workers, learners, or entrepreneurs."

The funding was announced in December 2022 by former United States Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), as part of the 2022 federal government spending bill. The grant includes "16,000 square feet of renovated space dedicated to community workforce development, small business and entrepreneurship education, startup incubation, and pre-collegiate programming."

The space will occupy the currently vacant fifth floor of Galvin Tower. Although Illinois Tech has an agreement with the City of Chicago to serve five zip codes on the South Side, priority may be given to those residing in Bronzeville. Bunton emphasized that “it’s a way of creating permeability.”

Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi expressed commitment to embracing opportunities and responsibilities associated with being located in this historic neighborhood: “we are truly honored and fortunate to call Bronzeville home.”