Youth Opportunity
High Schoolers Explore Career in the Trades
For more than a decade, United Way of Champaign County has proudly funded the Summer Construction Program, helping local teens discover new career possibilities through a partnership with Education for Employment #330, Parkland College, and local union trades.
Teenage years are a critical time to explore interests, receive mentorship and develop skills that shape future careers. This summer, 18 high school students completed the program, earning college credit and a $400 stipend while gaining hands-on experience in roofing, framing, siding, window installation, plumbing, and more. United Way also helped remove financial barriers by providing work boots and jobsite attire for students who needed them, ensuring that every teen had the opportunity to succeed in the program.
Because of your support, young people gain real-world experience, discover their potential, and take the first step toward a brighter future.