Quad County Urban League

Aurora

Brief History

The accomplishments achieved during its 46-year history effecting positive changes in the Quad County service area are testaments to the QCUL’s ability to manage programs and successfully meet expected outcomes. QCUL is currently a YBUSA affiliate and has effectively managed two IYC YouthBuild grant awards in 2020 and 2021. The organization was also a recipient of the 2009 YouthBuild grant, and other grants awarded by public and private institutions to serve out-of-school and at-risk populations as described in this section below. Experience gained while managing the prior YouthBuild programs, other DOL Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, ComEd’s CONSTRUCT Program, Nicor Gas’ Career Academy (NGCA), UPS’ Plant Engineer Mechanic Training and Solar Jobs training have uniquely positioned QCUL to successfully lead the 2022 Aurora YouthBuild Program

Mission Statement and/or Core Values

The mission of the training is to offer a career path that builds skills, knowledge, and networks that promote career advancement for lowincome and underserved youth, which will help them develop construction and carpentry skills that prepare them to enroll in registered apprenticeship programs in the construction trades.

Student Demographics

YouthBuild Program in Aurora, Illinois, will serve 20 youth ages 16-24 in zip codes 60505, 60506, and 60538. 

Accomplishments

QCUL has maintained its ongoing partnership with the Aurora Housing Authority (AHA). Due to Covid in FY21, QCUL needed more outside projects. To ensure that the participants gained construction skills, QCUL partnered with Rebuilding Together Aurora on several community projects during FY21. The projects included building an ADA ramp for a disabled senior and rehabilitation/ repairs to the interior of a community resident’s home.

Programs Offered

  • DOL Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs
  • ComEd’s CONSTRUCT Program
  • Nicor Gas’ Career Academy (NGCA)
  • UPS’ Plant Engineer Mechanic Training and Solar Jobs training are offered at The Quad County Urban League

Career Pathways

  • Construction 
  • Trade 
  • Apprenticeship

Success Story

Manuel Dominguez entered YouthBuild through our high school credit recovery program. After successfully completing high school, he is currently enrolled with our ComEd Construct Program and is entering a Welding program in August 2022 through Waubonsee Community College.

Leadership

  • President & CEO: Theodia Gillespie
  • Program Director: Katrina Henderson

Contact Info

Address: 1685 N. Farnsworth Ave, Aurora IL 60506

Phone: 630-851-2203

Contact Email: KatrinaHenderson@qcul.org

Website: https://www.qcul.org

Social Media: @quadcountyurbanleague