Community Advisory Board
5–7 independent, engaged Harvey residents serving as key advisors and community leadership.
Sign up for the Community Advisory BoardOur Plan
A Proposed Roadmap for THRIVE.
Goals, curriculum, potential partners, funding strategy, facility plan, and timeline. Everything on this page is a planning proposal — not a commitment, forecast, or report of current activity.
1. Proposed first-year goals
What success could look like in year one.
100
Young adults served
40
Industry credentials or training completions
30
Employment, apprenticeship or internship placements
25
College or postsecondary enrollment milestones
These are proposed targets, not forecasts. We will refine them after evaluating community demand, staffing, partnerships, and funding.
2. Organizational structure
Led by — and accountable to — Harvey.
Operations, partnerships, program quality, and fundraising would be guided by two community bodies.
Youth Advisory Council
A proposed paid council of 6–10 members ages 16–24 to help shape programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
Express interest3. Curriculum
The Harvey Future Builders Program.
A proposed 12-week foundational program followed by specialized career tracks and ongoing mentorship. Every participant would complete a personal development plan and leave with a tangible next step toward education, employment, or business ownership.
Core 12-week curriculum
| Weeks | Learning module | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Self-discovery, leadership, goal-setting | Personal success plan |
| 3–4 | Communication, professionalism, emotional intelligence | Resume and interview practice |
| 5–6 | Financial literacy, budgeting, credit, banking | Personal budget |
| 7–8 | College, scholarships, apprenticeships, career exploration | Education or career pathway plan |
| 9–10 | Digital literacy, AI, STEM fundamentals | Completed technology project |
| 11–12 | Entrepreneurship, community leadership, presentation skills | Final capstone presentation |
Specialized pathways
Clean Energy & Skilled Trades Academy
Solar PV fundamentals, electrical safety, basic circuits, blueprint reading, construction math, tool identification, and apprenticeship preparation. Practical exercises would use safe training equipment and qualified instructors.
Technology & Innovation Academy
Coding, robotics, AI literacy, cybersecurity awareness, digital design, and 3D printing, culminating in a student technology showcase.
Entrepreneurship & Business Academy
Business planning, customer research, pricing, marketing, bookkeeping, sales, and pitching. Participants could compete for small, sponsored seed grants.
College & Career Success Academy
Postsecondary admissions, financial aid, scholarship applications, academic support, credential programs, and connections to paid internships.
Proposed weekly schedule
| Day | Programming |
|---|---|
| Monday | Personal development and mentorship |
| Tuesday | Academic and college readiness |
| Wednesday | STEM and digital technology |
| Thursday | Skilled trades and career training |
| Friday | Entrepreneurship and financial literacy |
| Saturday | Project workshops, community service and career events |
We plan to offer daytime cohorts for out-of-school young adults and evening or weekend options for participants who are employed or attending school.
4. Local partnerships
Partners we hope to explore.
THRIVE is focused on working with organizations already serving the region. None of these are confirmed partners — they are organizations we would like to approach.
Potential partner
American Job Center – Harvey
16845 S. Halsted St, Harvey, IL
Already provides career coaching, out-of-school youth services for ages 16–24, paid work experience, and job placement assistance. An especially important potential partner.
Potential partner
South Suburban College
15800 State St, South Holland, IL 60473
Potential college, technical-training and WIOA pathway partner. Its workforce department offers out-of-school youth services and employment preparation.
Potential partner
Prairie State College
202 S Halsted St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Potential college-transition, certificate, and workforce education partner.
Potential partner
Outreach Community Development, Corp.
16545 S Halsted St, Harvey, IL 60426
Potential local collaboration on vocational skills, community outreach, and youth recruitment.
Potential partner
Studio155th Community Outreach & Public Media NFP
227 W 155th St, Harvey, IL 60426
Potential creative-media, storytelling, and digital-content training partner.
5. Funding strategy
A diversified model, not a single grant.
THRIVE plans to pursue a mix of revenue sources rather than relying on one government grant.
WIOA youth workforce funding
Partnerships and future contracting opportunities through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Eligibility and competitive procurement rules apply.
Illinois Job Training and Economic Development (JTED)
Supports employer-focused skills training, work-based learning, credentials, career coaching, and supportive services.
Illinois Youth Investment Program
An existing youth employment initiative serving ages 16–24, with program activity described through March 2027. New award availability must be verified.
DCEO Economic Empowerment Centers
Relevant to youth entrepreneurship and business-development services; rolling applications subject to remaining funds and eligibility.
Private philanthropy and corporate giving
Community foundations, banks, utilities, technology firms, construction companies, and individual donors for program sponsorships and equipment.
Illustrative first-year funding mix
$260,000 annual resource target
- Government and workforce grants$120,000
- Foundation grants$65,000
- Corporate sponsorships$45,000
- Individual donors and fundraising$20,000
- In-kind support and other contributions$10,000
Planning scenario only; no funding commitments have been secured. Because $10,000 is in-kind support, the cash fundraising target would be $250,000. Equipment, facility renovations, and any participant wages or stipends would be budgeted separately.
Proposed sponsorship levels
| Level | Annual contribution | Proposed recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Partner | $50,000+ | Major program sponsorship |
| Innovation Partner | $25,000 | STEM or trades academy sponsorship |
| Career Partner | $10,000 | Cohort or internship support |
| Community Partner | $5,000 | Workshops and mentoring |
| Youth Champion | $1,000 | Participant resources |
Sponsorship benefits would focus on public recognition and measurable community impact, subject to nonprofit compliance review. THRIVE is not accepting contributions online at this time. Start a partnership conversation.
6. Facility development
Start lean, then build a permanent home.
A two-stage strategy: begin in leased or donated space, then develop a permanent center after proving demand and securing operating support. A facility of roughly 5,000–7,000 square feet could accommodate the initial permanent-center model.
| Space | Target area |
|---|---|
| STEM/computer laboratory | 900 SF |
| Flexible classroom/training room | 900 SF |
| Skilled trades demonstration lab | 1,000 SF |
| Mentorship and counseling rooms | 400 SF |
| Youth collaboration lounge | 650 SF |
| Administrative offices | 350 SF |
| Reception/resource center | 300 SF |
| Storage, restrooms, circulation and support | 1,500 SF |
| Total | 6,000 SF |
7. Development timeline
From organizing to a permanent center.
Nov–Dec 2026
Organize
Convene founding committee, engage youth, draft bylaws, define programs and establish nonprofit strategy.
Jan–Mar 2027
Build partnerships
Seek fiscal sponsorship or complete formation steps, recruit instructors, pursue grants and secure pilot space.
Apr–Jun 2027
Launch pilot
Enroll first 25–40 participants and begin the 12-week foundational curriculum.
Jul–Dec 2027
Evaluate and expand
Measure outcomes, establish employer pathways, seek permanent facility and multi-year funding.
2028
Permanent-center development
Expand enrollment and specialized academies once financing and staffing are sustainable.
Timeline dates are planning targets and depend on partnerships, funding, and staffing.