Why West Side Kids Need to Learn Trades

A lot of teenagers in Chicago's West Side know how to take over a Kia with a USB cable, but even more can handle construction equipment like excavators. Both skills take some know-how, but the paths they lead to are worlds apart. Some people might say that kids from tough neighborhoods turn to crime because they aren't given any other options. At the same time, they're told to aim for expensive college degrees, even when a career in the trades could be just as meaningful and practical. Imagine this: instead of picking up a gun, a teen picks up a power tool. That's where trade education comes in. Many Chicago schools don't offer classes in trades, but one school, Chicago Hope Academy, is changing that. They've teamed up with three major labor unions to teach kids how to use tools, operate machinery, and even install TVs. Eighty freshmen and now 95 juniors and seniors have taken the course. They're learning hands-on skills that can lead to stable jobs with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. It's not just about earning a living; it's about gaining skills that are in high demand across the country. As cities rebuild, these skilled workers will be in the driver's seat.

Sadly, not enough students of color, especially those from struggling areas, are getting excited about these opportunities. Some of Chicago's historic trades schools are seeing fewer students. In East Garfield Park, where unemployment is high and many people aren't part of the workforce, schools are struggling too. Few kids graduate, even fewer go to college, and even fewer stick with it. Instead of pressing students to go to college when they're from low-income families and score low on tests, why not show them the great jobs in trades? Let's teach them to build things, fix things, and improve their neighborhoods. They can build basketball courts, fix up homes, and even make furniture for their families. Chicago's West Side can be known for more than bad statistics. It can be a place where kids learn to build and repair, making life better for everyone.

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