BUILD

Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD)

BUILD’s mission is to engage at-risk youth in the schools and on the streets, so they can realize their educational and career potential and contribute to the stability, safety and well being of our communities. Since 1969, BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development) has been a pioneer and innovator in youth development, now serving neighborhoods on Chicago’s West (Austin, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, West Town) and South (Fuller Park, Bronzeville) Sides. Through three primary program areas — Prevention, Intervention, and BUILDing Futures — BUILD partners with an array of stakeholders to offer a spectrum of services designed to build lives and futures. Whether by providing a school-based curriculum, youth leadership opportunities, positive out-of school activities or intensive, individualized mentoring, all of BUILD’s programs share the same objectives: to reduce negative behaviors, school expulsions and withdrawals, recidivism rates, and court and gang involvement; and to increase pro-social behaviors, school readiness and success, college access, and opportunities for happy, productive futures.