STEM Programs
Equipping young adults for thriving STEM careers with STEMWorks
70%+
STEMWorks participants step into well-paying STEM jobs—with opportunities for advancement
100%
Young adults from communities with historically lower participation in STEM.
88%
Efficacy rate of participants achieving a positive outcome
85%+
STEMWorks participants successfully complete the STEMWorks program
STEMWorks supports young adults in career planning and successful futures
STEMWorks is an intensive, holistic employment program for recent graduates of Chicagoland’s high schools who do not have a college or career plan. Working with our corporate partners, STEMWorks engages, trains, and places young adults into high-quality STEM-related entry positions in IT, healthcare, construction, the trades, manufacturing, solar energy, and more (see application/interest form below). We then guide and support them for success in their first job and onto their STEM career pathway.
Obtain certifications for the career path of your choice.
- Construction and the Trades for participants at least 18+: Obtain certifications for union apprenticeships and construction employment through the IL Works program
- Healthcare: Become a Certified Nurse Assistant or Phlebotomist—both in-demand jobs that can lead to booming careers in healthcare
- IT: Earn CompTIA+ certification and step right into the tech industry
- Manufacturing: Earn forklift certification for hands-on, well-paying jobs close to home
- Renewable Energy: Solar Panel Installer, Solar Site Surveyor, or Virtual Power Plant Technician.
Lumity offers three program options. While enrolled, students earn money, so they can earn an income while gaining invaluable skills that will help them build a brighter future. All programs are free to participate in.
Construction & Trades Pathway is a pre-apprenticeship program that prepares participants to successfully transition to an apprenticeship in the trades! Classroom instruction and hands-on training are applied to achieve industry-recognized certifications. Support services and stipends are offered. Participants must be 18 years or older, possess a High School Diploma/GED/HiSET, and be Illinois residents.
Career Launch is an intensive, holistic employment program for graduates of Chicagoland high schools (ages 17–24) who do not have a college or career plan. Lumity’s Career Launch program engages, trains, and places young adults into high-quality STEM-related, entry-level positions in IT, healthcare, construction, the trades, manufacturing, and more.
YouthBuild Proviso Township is a new workforce development program offered in Chicago’s western suburbs. Designed for youth ages 17 to 24, YouthBuild provides education, job training, leadership development, and support services in construction careers.
New things are happening!
Lumity launches a new project—a Training Center in Maywood. Read about this exciting new venture.
STEMWorks helps recent high school grads succeed in family-sustaining STEM jobs
STEMWorks benefits for our students, community and partners
STEMWorks participants receive support in clearing obstacles to job success, including access to transportation, childcare, counseling, and more
STEMWorks graduates become part of a STEM professional alumni network that provides mentorship and supports their STEM education and career advancement beyond their first job
Chicagoland acquires a new generation of young people with STEM skills in IT, construction, the trades, healthcare, and more—all skills that contribute to Chicagoland’s quality of life
Our communities provide a new way for high schools to connect new graduates to quality, living-wage STEM employment
Corporate partners benefit from Lumity’s ongoing support and mentoring for the STEMWorks participants they hire—furthering employee satisfaction and retention goals
Employers gain new ideas and energy from STEMWorks participants who are ready and eager to take on their new roles
Join STEMWorks and launch your STEM career!
STEMWorks guides you step-by-step through industry certification and job placement, providing ongoing help for career success. Training locations near you are the South Loop at 1132 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 400 in Chicago, and the western suburbs held in Maywood, Illinois.
If you live in the Chicagoland area, are between the ages of 17 and 24, and are seeking a well-paying career, join STEMWorks to launch your career in STEM! Contact Jeanette Gurolnick at 773-230-8368 or fill out the interest form below.
I’m interested! (Please fill out the form)
* STEMWorks is made possible through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Illinois Works grant, the Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Youth Investment Program grant, and the YouthBuild Illinois Coalition program.
Success Story
Lumity students success
“Lumity helped me get my job. My whole attitude and the way I do things is because of Lumity. They helped me get focused and helped me figure out what I need to do for my future. They didn’t give up on us. They pushed us and they really care.”
Adrian Willis
2019 Participant
“Lumity taught me the skills I needed to get a job and get a job I was interested in and could improve in. They still check in with me to make sure I’m progressing. It makes me feel good that somebody has my back.”
Deon Brown
Graduate
Join other STEM leaders to help the STEMWorks program make a difference!
If you have questions about how to get involved, contact Jeanette Gurolnick, SHRM-CP, Director of Curriculum and Talent Development.
Explore related resources
Blog Post • June 2025
Blog Post • June 2025
STEMWorks
Learn how our post-secondary employment program trains young adults and places them in entry-level STEM positions.
STEM Talks
Share advice and inspire our students by becoming a STEM Talks volunteer. With your help, our students see the possibilities of a STEM career.
Get Involved
Whether you’re giving a corporate contribution, individual donation, or a few hours of your time, your help impacts our students.