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Celebrating a decade of transforming lives!
2008 Class Dates |
January 7th-February 15th |
Session #1 |
March 3rd-April 11th |
Session #2 |
April 28th-June 6th |
Session #3 |
June 23th-July 25th |
Session #4 |
August 4th-August 29th
**Math concentration only** |
4-wk Mini Session #5 |
September 8th-October 17th |
Session #6 |
October 27th-December 12th |
Session #7 |
The Teaching Factory increases quality employment opportunities for Lawndale and Garfield Park community residents through education, encouragement and employment training and placement.
The Teaching Factory offers a comprehensive array of supports including:
- Six week job readiness and educational course
- Skills-based training
- Career counseling
- One-on-one case management as needed
- Post-placement services.
Recent accomplishments include:
- 280+ students impacted in 2007
- 80 student job placements in 2006
- 59 student job placements in 2005
What we do
Education and supportive services
Students commit to a schedule of five days a week for six weeks, attending classes from 8:00 to 11:30 am. The day begins promptly with an inspirational devotional and includes a challenging integrated learning curriculum tailored to the needs of individual students. Personalized case management and linkages with community partners ensure that students receive the supportive services they need to thrive in the classroom and workforce. Graduates who complete the program are prepared for the entrance examinations given at companies and community college vocational programs.
Job readiness and employment
The Teaching Factory provides community residents with state of the art technology, tools and information enabling them to conduct comprehensive employment searches using computers and Internet access, as well as access to fax and photocopying machines. Teaching Factory participants also receive personalized instruction from skilled and knowledgeable instructors, job placement specialists, and case managers for customized assistance and guidance at every stage of their educational pursuit and job search. Financial literacy and basic computer/resume workshops supplement and support The Teaching Factory's regular activities.
Who can participate
The Teaching Factory is open to all community residents whether they are recent ex-offenders re-entering the community, adults struggling through a period of unemployment or underemployment, and/or youth with little or no work experience. |
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"Most of our students come to us because they are ready to make changes in their lives - they are looking for help and for hope, and we provide the support and opportunities they need to be a success in the classroom, on the job, and ultimately in their homes and communities."
-Yolanda Harris, Program Manager
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Commitment to partnerships
One of the Teaching Factory's greatest strengths is its commitment to partnerships. Collaboration between students, teachers, employers, volunteers, funders and strong referral networks are key to the program's success. Early efforts to engage local jails, parole officers, social service agencies, and community colleges have meant more community residents know the TF is available for them. "Word of mouth is one of our primary referral sources," Harris states.
Support us!
Generously supported through contributions from individuals, foundations, and congregations, increased funding is critical to the Teaching Factory's sustainability. As the number of graduates grows, The Teaching Factory hopes to offer more comprehensive post-employment follow up to ensure long-term success in the workforce. Increased financial support will make this possible. Contributions to Breaking Ground that are designated to the Teaching Factory are tax-deductible.
Please visit our Donations page to make an online investment in the Teaching Factory and its students.
Help us transform lives!
The Teaching Factory is currently seeking volunteers to serve as academic tutors in the areas of life skills development, adult literacy and/or math. Commitment for the six week period is preferred. Other one-time opportunities to become involved include conducting workshops and seminars in areas such as resume development, successful interviewing, on the job protocol, health care/nutrition, and parenting skills. Additionally, mock interviewers are always needed. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Yolanda Harris yharris@breakingground.net
Special thanks to our Teaching Factory funding partner:
Steans Family Foundation
...and our early establishing partners
House of Prayer
World Vision
Lawndale Business and
Local Development Corp.
Mt. Sinai Community Institute
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
Teaching Factory spotlight
Click here for Terrell Taylor's story
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