Workbench Project
The trades have traditionally been limited in accessibility, particularly for youth from underserved communities. Through the Workbench Project, CU provides hands-on exposure to skilled trades and career pathways that may otherwise feel out of reach.
The Workbench Project is a work-readiness initiative for youth ages 13–18, blending social-emotional development, hands-on job training, and community engagement. We offer three programs for youth: woodworking, welding, and bike mechanics. Each program runs in rolling 10-week intervals, during which students build foundational, industry-standard skills. While learning, students are also challenged to meet a local need through technical projects. Here are a few examples of projects our students have undertaken:
​
-
Woodworking students built and installed garden beds in local residents’ homes;
-
Bike mechanics volunteered at free bike repair clinics throughout the Austin neighborhood;
-
and welders crafted and painted a group sculpture about youth power.
​
Our holistic approach equips youth with both the soft and technical skills they need for thriving, professional lives in which they positively shape their communities.
Bikes N' Roses
Formed by Communities United youth leaders envisioning a space for a positive outlet in their communities, Bikes N’ Roses (BNR) is a youth-driven bicycle cooperative providing job training and employment opportunities to young people. BNR uses bicycles as both a medium to drive social change and a foundation from which young people can learn and practice skills applicable to college and career, build their self-confidence, develop and strengthen peer and community relationships, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
Woodworking
Driven by the creativity and leadership of young people, this is a hands-on program that introduces youth to the art of woodworking while providing valuable career and post-secondary skills. By working with wood, participants develop practical skills and problem-solving abilities while engaging with one another and learning from peers. This program introduces basic and advanced power tool usage, material prep and finishing, elements of design engineering, and all the safety standards needed to work independently and safely in a woodshop setting. This program takes place in the Austin neighborhood in Chicago - reach out if you would like to participate!
Welding
The welding program offers young people the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of welding through hands-on projects in metal fabrication, repair, and design. Participants gain experience using welding tools and techniques, creating everything from functional structures to artistic metalwork. In the program, youth collaborate on real-world projects, work with experienced mentors, and develop technical, industry-standard skills in a safe and supportive environment. The program provides a space for creativity, teamwork, and practical skill-building. This program takes place in Belmont-Cragin, reach out if you would like to participate!
PROGRESS MADE
-
Provide positive youth development and employment opportunities to over 75 youth annually across Austin, Belmont Cragin, Albany Park and Roseland.
​
-
Donated bicycles to families and essential workers during the pandemic.
​
-
Engaged over 1,000 families and youth through community wellness and bike rides to promote healthy living.
