Chicago is building. Everywhere you look, new developments along the lakefront, infrastructure upgrades on the South Side, mixed-use projects reshaping neighborhoods that have waited decades for investment. Cranes are up. Job sites are active. Billions of dollars are moving. And the industry can't find enough people to do the work. The construction industry needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 just to keep supply and demand in balance — and that numbe

Your donation helps Chicago youth and young adults gain hands-on construction training, life skills, and mental wellness support—so they can build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen our neighborhoods. What your gift supports Hands-on construction education across multiple trades Tools, materials, and safe learning environments Mentorship, life skills, and mental wellness resources Pathways to careers and community revitalization Why it matters When you invest in training

Corporate partners help Tools Up Foundation deliver premium construction education and holistic support for youth and young adults in Chicago. How sponsorship helps Expand hands-on training opportunities Support tools, materials, and program delivery Strengthen career pathways and mentorship Invest in community revitalization Ways to partner Program sponsorship In-kind donations of tools and materials Employee volunteer days and mentorship Workforce pipeline collaboration Let

Tools Up Foundation, Inc. is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to premium construction education and hands-on training for youth and young adults—paired with mental wellness and life skills support. Our mission We aim to revitalize communities by empowering minority youth and young adults to build sustainable livelihoods through construction education and training. What your grant can enable Program expansion and participant support Curriculum development across constructio

If you're a parent, guardian, or teen in Englewood, Roseland, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, or anywhere on Chicago's South Side trying to figure out what to do this summer, this list is for you. There are real options. Programs that pay. Programs that teach. Programs that give young people something to do that actually matters for their future. And one of them, TUF Teens, run by Tools Up Foundation right here on the South Side, is doing something no other free summer program in th

May is graduation season. Caps and gowns, proud families, big celebrations — and for a lot of young people in Chicago, a quiet, anxious question that nobody really talks about: now what? If you are holding a diploma and feeling unsure about what comes next, or if you walked away from school without one and you are wondering if there is still a clear path forward, this is for you. Because the answer might not be what you expect. And it definitely does not require taking on $30

Every spring, millions of young people face a version of the same question: What do I do after high school? For many, it feels like the answer has already been decided: go to a four-year college, take on debt, and figure out the rest later. But a growing number of young adults, especially in Chicago, are waking up to a smarter, more direct path: construction apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs that let you earn a paycheck from day one while building skills that

The construction industry is changing - and women are an increasingly important part of that shift. For decades, construction has been considered a male-dominated industry with limited access for women. Today, however, data shows that more women are entering construction careers, especially in skilled trades, project management, and workforce development roles. At a time when the industry faces a significant labor shortage, expanding opportunities for women in construction is

Black history has always been rooted in building. From skilled craftsmanship and entrepreneurship to labor that shaped cities and infrastructure, Black workers have played a critical role in constructing America. Yet today, many minority youth still face barriers to accessing the same industries their labor helped build. As we look toward the future of work, the skilled trades offer one of the most powerful and practical pathways to economic mobility. Construction careers rep

The skilled trades offer rewarding, in-demand career opportunities that power our communities and economy. From construction and manufacturing to electrical, plumbing, and technology-driven trades, these careers provide hands-on work, competitive wages, and clear pathways for long-term growth. At Tools Up Foundation, we are committed to exposing students and young adults to the wide range of trade careers available and helping them understand how to turn interest into opportu

The Tools Up Foundation is excited to announce that TUF Teens is back and better than ever! After an incredible year of growth, achievement, and life-changing experiences, we’re ready to welcome a new class of young leaders on January 30TH. What Is TUF Teens? TUF Teens is a dynamic, completely FREE workforce development program designed for Chicago teens ages 15–17 . Through hands-on training and holistic support, participants gain real-world experience in the construction t

September was National Workforce Development Month. As you know, Tools Up Foundation is all about empowering and preparing minority youth...

TUF Teens Program Prepares Chicago Youth to Make Mark on Community, World At Tools Up Foundation, we not only recognize the power and...

The Tools Up Foundation is committed to empowering minority youth and young adults with essential skills and opportunities to establish a...