In 2012 Leave No Veteran Behind (LNVB) sponsored a STEAM program for youth in partnership with University of Chicago and West Point.
Since 2013, as contracted GreenCorps providers, LNVB and the community-based agencies it oversees have served more than 200 youth since the program began. Primarily an outdoor program sponsored by the City of Chicago, GreenCorps teaches inner-city youth about urban gardening techniques, bicycle repair, and workplace professionalism.
LNVB expanded the program’s scope to offer year-round STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based career paid apprenticeships for youth and paid transitional job positions for Veterans who already possess military-taught technical skills through a transitional employment program, S.T.E.A.M Corps. This program produces entrepreneurial, skilled laborers who understand the entire engineering process, from the research and development phase, to application of the design process (e.g. creating and testing a prototype), and can apply the scientific method to solve manufacturing challenges.
Paid student apprentices learn to repurpose and recycle old materials and build high-end, high quality bicycles, electronics, and furniture that they can sell (through auctions held by LNVB or through their own businesses later). The repurposed materials are those that are difficult to recycle, or otherwise not recyclable, and keeps them out of landfills. Because the program partners with local organizations, the apprentices can also take advantage of additional valuable training. For example, Daley College is offering our apprentices (11th & 12th graders) two courses a year free of charge, and the ability to earn credit towards a Welding Certificate. Skilled welders are in high demand.
Collaborating organizations
If you are interested in transitional job opportunities with youth please click the link: Apply Here
