Education

Scholarships, workplace training, and academic support to help youth succeed in high school, prepare for college, persist through college graduation and prepare for a career.

BUILD provides young people struggling in school with the tools and support they need to succeed, graduate, and advance to college and careers. Tutoring, test prep, college campus tours, career exposure and consistent mentoring offer low-income, often-overlooked students the opportunity to be the first in their families to go to college, graduate and develop careers.

Education Services

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Academic Advising and Success

We take a multi-pronged approach to helping our young people succeed in school because every situation and every child is different. Our services include helping youth research and apply to high school. We also advise on class selection.  We offer guidance to those who are  re-entering secondary school and alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts, entry into GED programs, or entry into postsecondary education. We also provide tutoring resources as well as workshops on skills and techniques necessary for academic success

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College Counseling and Campus Tours

BUILD’s College Access & Persistence Program (CAPA) helps young people take the journey from high school through college and beyond! The program offers workshops on college readiness topics like financial literacy, how to apply, and connect with resources. Then in the spring students visit colleges and meet with peer mentors (former BUILDers) who share their experiences as first-generation college students.

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College Access and Persistence / Financial Aid

BUILD helps young people take the journey from high school through college and beyond! Our support includes helping with academics, ACT/SAT prep., information on admissions, financial aid, FAFSA, and the enrollment process. We also provide counseling and assist with scholarship searches and applications.  In the spring, students have opportunities to visit colleges and meet peer mentors (former BUILDers) who share their experiences as first-generation college students. Along the way, there are workshops on leadership and life development skills – and when our BUILDers get to campus, we offer even more support to them, steering them to resources and helping them navigate the college experience.

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Career Counseling

BUILD increases the job readiness skills of our young people and connects them to resources and employers.  Support services include assessments to help with career decision making and job applications, access to professional mentors, and visits to work sites to explore specific careers. We also provide resume writing assistance, interview skills development, and workplace etiquette training.

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Scholarships

Are you or do you know a senior in high school who is going to graduate? Do they need help paying for college expenses? BUILD is proud to offer educational scholarships to help pay for higher education that do not have to be repaid. Each scholarship has its own requirements, which must be met and based on any number of criteria. Contact Ebonee Porche at eboneeporche@buildchicago.org and learn how you can apply. Click below to get started.

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Cultural Enrichment and Educational Activities

These are innovative, fun and engaging workshops, events and field trip opportunities that: 

  • Broaden youth's horizons and foster critical and creative thinking
  • Expose youth to different cultures and customs
  • Explore creative expression and enhance communication skills 
  • BUILD self and cultural awareness
  • Instill a spirit of service to the others and the community 

Need help? Please contact our Director of BUILDing Futures, Ebonee Porche at eboneeporche@buildchicago.org or call 773-227-2880 for additional information.

Community Difference

71% decreased school disciplinary infractions.

77% improved or maintained good attendance.

74% with education coaching, earned higher grades.

63% of summer BUILDers said they would be likely to take a leadership role in a group working to solve issues in their community—compared to only 38% before participating.