TRADESWOMEN OF TOMORROW
Chicago Women in Trades' girls' programs have been in existence for six years and are nationally recognized and replicated. The state has recognized CWIT as a leader in nontraditional career programs for girls and continues to showcase CWIT's partnership with the Chicago Public Schools as a model for the state.
Girls at Work (GAW)
The GAW Program increases 7th and 8th grade girls' awareness of high-wage, high-skilled careers in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation fields through hands-on and career awareness activities. GAW also serves the schools through staff development activities and distribution of our two educational products: Tradeswomen of Tomorrow: An Educator's Guide and Resource Binder for Nontraditional Career Awareness for Girls.
> Evaluation Comments by GAW Participants
- I think I would really like to do some of the work like this because I like working with my hands.
- I think these jobs are great and I would like to learn more about them!
- Girls rule! P.S. $27.65 is not a bad wage.
Ninth Grade Outreach
This program increases the number of freshman girls choosing to enroll in a nontraditional, high-wage, high-skill career program in the areas of construction, manufacturing, and transportation at two Chicago Public Career Academies by exposing them to junior and senior females already enrolled in these programs.
Aspiring Tradeswomen
This program serves junior and senior females who are enrolled in nontraditional career programs at the Chicago Public Career Academies. The program provides activities to improve retention of these young women and also offers career development activities, connecting and mentoring activities with tradeswomen, and career planning and referral services to help ensure a successful transition from school to a nontraditional, high-wage career.
> Evaluation Comments by Aspiring Tradeswomen Participants
- It made me feel good to know and see all these women in construction and other careers.
- I enjoyed [the program] because I met people that can help me in the long run.
- I've learned a lot of things and that I am not the only woman in the trades.
- I got information that will help me with my future; after I graduate.
- Our voices were able to be heard.
- I met wonderful tradeswomen and learned from their experiences.
- I met all types of people that are willing to help me and explain to me things I might not understand.
- A great influence on me.
- What I learned will stay with me in the future.
2000 - 2001 Accomplishments- CWIT served a total of 1,852 female students and 172 counselors, teachers, and administrators.
- 526 Elementary school students
- 400 Tradeswomen Advocacy Fair (8th graders)
- 414 9th grade students
- 512 High school students
- 172 Teachers, counselors, etc.
- We disseminated 278 "Tradeswomen of Tomorrow: An Educator's Guide and Resource Binder for Nontraditional Career Awareness for Girls" nationwide. To request a copy of our binder fill out our publications order form and send a $25.00 check to CWIT. Or click here to access a full list of publications.
