Program Details

Eli’s Cheesecake is a Chicago-born, third-generation, family-owned bakery devoted to hand-crafting the best cheesecake in the world and making life sweeter for everyone. Founded by Eli M. Schulman—legendary restaurateur and the inventor of Chicago‑Style Cheesecake —the company is guided by his two golden rules: “charity will never bust you” and “treat others as if you were the other.” These values remain at the heart of Eli’s today.

Eli’s believes in giving back to the community that built them by investing in continuing education for its staff and ensuring opportunity for everyone, including people with Disabilities—because life is richer when there’s a seat for everyone at the table.

Marc and Elana Schulman, Eli’s son and granddaughter, lead the company today. In 2021, Marc discovered the JTED grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and brought the opportunity to leaders at Wilbur Wright College, Vaughn Occupational High School, and the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. The application was accepted, and Project Wright Access (PWA) was created, with Eli’s Cheesecake serving as the founding business partner.

Project Wright Access provides college and career engagement for students with intellectual and related disabilities. Eli’s is a responsive employer committed to inclusive training and hiring practices that build a diverse, high‑quality workforce.

Eli’s has embraced inclusive employment as a core company value, aligning business success with social impact. Through Project Wright Access, Eli’s leadership and team members have developed college pathways through certification and work‑skills courses; industry access through internships and worksite simulations; and competitive employment opportunities, including the hiring and retention of six PWA participants.

Internships and Training

Jane Kimpaye (HR Generalist), Vlora Morina, and Olena Khavko (Eli’s Packaging Supervisors) lead the internships and training on the production floor with Project Wright Access staff. Through rounds 1 and 2 of the JTED grant, they have guided and supported 10 internships involving more than 30 participants. Vlora and Olena have worked closely with PWA job coaches and interns, helping them navigate complex systems that influence production and efficiency, and they are consistently available to assist with both technical and soft‑skill development. Along with Jane, they have also played a key role in developing ADA workplace accommodations and implementing them with fidelity, professionalism, and compassion.

Economic and Social Impact

David N, Joshua G, Xander V, and Jonathan W are former Project Wright Access interns and current Eli’s Cheesecake employees. Each of them are long term, successful, and highly valued employees. They have embraced their technical roles as associates and their social roles as co-workers and team members. All of these employees have commented on the company's family atmosphere and their involvement in the organization’s culture.

Most recently, Jonathan W was chosen by Eli’s team to represent the business at the City of Chicago ADA35 Celebration. Here, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), led by Commissioner Rachel Arfa and Mayor Brandon Johnson, celebrated the American with Disabilities Act’s 35th anniversary. Elana Schulman facilitated a youth workforce panel that sought input from several individuals with disabilities and their supporting organizations. Jonathan was extremely enthusiastic and honored to be chosen. 

Eli’s Cheesecake is not only the founding JTED Business Partner, but also a business at the forefront of inclusive hiring and retention practices. These practices should be replicated in all businesses. Eli’s has improved the transition paths for individuals with disabilities and enhanced their quality of life. It should also be noted that, because of the depth and complexity of the internships, many Eli’s interns have successful careers at other companies.