Tier4 Group expands partnership with i.c.stars across Milwaukee and Chicago

Tier4 Group is widening its work with i.c.stars from a Milwaukee sponsorship to a cross-city effort in Milwaukee and Chicago. The move is aimed at helping more underserved young adults enter tech careers and strengthening regional talent pipelines. Why it matters: - Tier4 Group and i.c.stars are trying to widen access to tech careers for underserved young adults. - The partnership is also meant to help build more diverse leadership pipelines in Milwaukee and Chicago. - Both organizations frame the effort as an investment in stronger local tech ecosystems over time. What happened: - Tier4 Group expanded its strategic partnership with i.c.stars from a single-market sponsorship in Milwaukee to a cross-city initiative spanning Milwaukee and Chicago. - The announcement was made June 17, 2026. - Tier4 Group is a professional recruitment firm focused on technology and tech-adjacent talent. - i.c.stars is a nonprofit workforce development organization focused on tech career pathways for underserved young adults. The details: - i.c.stars operates a selective training program that combines business, technology and leadership instruction with project-based learning. - The program includes a two-year practicum. - i.c.stars has locations in Chicago, Milwaukee and Kansas City. - The organization has engaged more than 10,000 employers. - The expanded partnership combines financial support, active engagement and collaborative programming. - Tier4 Group team members will continue volunteering at i.c.stars events, engaging with cohorts and contributing time and expertise. - Tier4 Group said the multi-year partnership is being deepened across Midwest communities. - Tier4 Group said the effort is intended to create more inclusive pathways into technology, especially for women and talent from underserved communities. - i.c.stars said the cross-city sponsorship will expand opportunities for emerging technology talent in multiple communities. Between the lines: - The move signals a shift from localized support to a broader regional talent strategy. - The partnership ties recruitment and workforce development together, which could help employers and training programs align more closely on hiring needs. - The emphasis on women and underserved communities suggests the initiative is as much about access and representation as it is about filling jobs. What’s next: - Tier4 Group will keep volunteering at i.c.stars events and participating directly with program cohorts. - The two organizations plan to use the partnership to support talent development and long-term ecosystem growth in Chicago and Milwaukee. - The collaboration is expected to continue as a multi-year effort across Midwest markets. The bottom line: - Tier4 Group is betting that deeper, multi-city engagement with i.c.stars can strengthen the tech talent pipeline while broadening who gets access to it.