What is GMP Labs?
GMP Labs offers a 4-year Master Home Builder Apprenticeship Program where students will receive education in and, through the hands-on experience gained by building a total of 8 new homes, achieve mastery in many trades.
Why Now?
Nearly half of 20-24 year-old African American youth in Chicago are neither working nor in school, and youth in under-served neighborhoods have nowhere to receive properly marketable trade-related job skills. While they may acquire remedial-level skills, once trained, this population must then fight an uphill battle in order to secure gainful, entry-level employment with no guarantee of placement or success.
How Does it Work?
The Academy consists of two main components:
And Then What?
Graduates of GMP Labs will be uniquely qualified to pursue a variety of personal wealth-building and/or entrepreneurial opportunities in the marketplace.
Who is Involved?
Along with GMP Development, LLC, the privately held design/build firm headed by East Garfield Park native son, Steve Searles, community-based partners Breakthrough, Covenant House Illinois, and Cara Chicago have united to deliver this unparalleled educational/vocational initiative to the city of Chicago. NCCER-Accredited vocational training and education is provided by Associated Builders and Contractors, Illinois Chapter.
When Do We Start?
The GMP Labs Inaugural Class of ’22 Commences in April of 2019.
Why Us?
While there are countless numbers of worthy organizations looking for support, GMP Labs operates keeping a triple bottom line in mind. That means that by supporting us, your donation will help generate
- Positive Economic Impact
- Favorable Social Outcomes
- Environmental Sustainability