Students participating in Chicago Builds receive technical training in General Construction: Carpentry, Electricity, Heating and Cooling (HVAC), and Welding. Students will receive high school credits for successful completion of the course curriculum. They also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10 Construction, CPR,-First Aid, NCCER), prepare for union entrance exams, and participate in paid work experiences during the 11th grade summer transition to Year 2 of the program.
Students participating in Chicago Builds will earn 2.5 credits for each year (1.25 credits per semester) of participation in the program, which are applied toward their Career Education and Electives graduation requirement. Student attendance is the most crucial requirement to successfully completing the course curriculum.
Chicago Builds classes meet five days a week as part of the regular school day at the Chicago Builds Construction campus at Dunbar High School (3000 S. King Drive). There are two cohorts of students participating in the program:
- The AM cohort runs from 8:30 am - 10:30 am
(Students return to their respective home schools after class.) - The PM cohort runs from 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm
(Students travel to class from their home schools after completion of their daily course work.)
Chicago Builds Information Sessions
Plan to attend an information session at Chicago Builds located inside the Dunbar HS Campus, 3000 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
- Thursday, February 27th, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Thursday, March 20th, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Thursday, April 10th, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Saturday, April 19th, 2025 – 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
To help answer your questions, virtual information sessions are available via Google Meets.
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Google Meet LINK)
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Google Meet LINK)
How to Apply to Chicago Builds
Chicago Builds is accepting applications for school year 2025-2026. Applications are open to all current 10th and 11th grade CPS students. Priority is given to 10th grade applicants (rising 11th graders).
- Deadline for applying: June 2, 2025
- Notice about acceptance into the program: June 2025 or sooner
- Program Start Date: August 18, 2025
- Program End Date: June 4, 2026
- Students will be notified of a decision by June 2025 or sooner.
Only complete applications with all associated paperwork will be considered. The following four parts make an application complete:
- Part 1 – Complete the Chicago Builds Application
- Part 2 – Print and complete the Student and Parent Expectations and Consent Contract
- Part 3 – Recommendation Form (1 is required)
- Part 4 – Return all documents to the Chicago Builds office via email at ChicagoBuilds@cps.edu
Students who are selected for the Chicago Builds program are required to “accept” their seats before enrollment is official. The first day of class is on the very first day of school. The program follows the CPS district calendar, including all CPS holidays and school breaks.
Eligibility Requirements
Priority in the selection of program participants is given to students who meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment – Must be actively enrolled in a district-run CPS school during the 2025-2026 school year
- Grade Level – Must be a Junior or Senior in high school during the 2025-2026 school year (i.e. currently enrolled at a CPS school as a 10th or 11th grader)
- Interest – Must demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in the construction trades by attending an information session at the Chicago Builds location.
- Recommendation – Must submit one Recommendation Form from a trusted adult who is not a family member. This could be a teacher, a coach, a mentor, someone from your faith community, a supervisor, someone who you have volunteered with, etc.
- Application – Must submit a complete Chicago Builds Program Application by June 2, 2025 along with a signed Student & Parent Expectations and Consent Contract
Upon acceptance, a letter of congratulations will be sent to selected students. Students are required to “accept” their seats before enrollment is official. The first day of class is on the very first day of school. The program follows the CPS district calendar, including all CPS holidays and school breaks.
Curriculum Overview
Level 1 (11th Grade): Students participate in an Introduction to Construction course, completing a 10-week rotation in each of the construction pathways (Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, Welding). Students are exposed to multiple career pathways in the construction industry, hear from guest speakers and leaders, and develop skills that can lead to gainful employment.
Level 2 (12th Grade): Students specialize in one of the pathway areas to gain in-depth knowledge, related skills, and career-specific entrance requirements. Students participate in internships, visit union training facilities, complete a capstone project, and prepare for the pre-apprenticeship entrance exam.
Careers in Construction
Most workers in the construction industry are either structural, finishing, or mechanical workers, with some performing activities of more than one kind. Careers include:
- Carpentry: Carpenters construct or remodel residential and commercial buildings and can earn $37 - $45 per hour.*
- Electrical: Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for homes, businesses, and factories and can earn $40 - $45 per hour.*
- Pipefitting/Welding: Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair mechanical piping systems for refineries, power stations, and factories and can earn $46 - $51 per hour.*
*All salary ranges are subject to change based upon industry standard.
Chicago Builds Partnerships and Advisory Council
Chicago Builds works with both union and non-union partners to maximize opportunities for students, including:
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134
- Peoples Gas
- Power Construction
- Women in the Trades - CWIT
- General Construction Firms
- Regional Council of Carpenters
- Chicago Associated Steel Erectors
- Pipefitters Local 597
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150
- Laborers’ District Council
- American Bridge Company
- CISCO (Construction Industry Service Corporation)
- Sodexo Magic
- Chicago Fabricators
- McCormick Place
- Chicago Transit Authority
- Walsh Construction
- ComEd
- Hire360
- Revolution Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
- Chicago Builds Brochure [ English - Spanish ]
- Chicago Builds One-Pager
- Chicago Builds Postcard [ English - Spanish ]
- Illinois Works Info Sheet
- Illinois Works Flyer
- Chicago Builds Learning Competencies
