Not every classroom has four walls. A Black educator who transitioned into real estate is turning a newly built home into a live classroom—showing teens what ownership, equity, and skilled careers look like up close. Through TechCo Savvy, the mission is clear: provide STEM/STEAM workforce skills to underserved youth in Chicago’s 24th Ward and introduce them to the many exciting—and lucrative—paths across technology and real estate.
“Together, hand in hand, we can build a better community with our youth.”
Bridging the Gap in STEM—With a House as the Lesson Plan
TechCo Savvy is focused on African American youth on the West Side, offering hands-on experiences that build a solid foundation in STEM while demystifying real estate. Students don’t just hear about wealth-building—they walk through it. From conceptual design to the finished product, they see how a home comes to life and where they can fit into the process as future pros.
- Workforce skills: Real, employable STEM/STEAM skills tailored to underserved students in the 24th Ward.
- Career exposure: Teens are introduced to technology, architecture, engineering, and real estate careers—fields that are both creative and high-earning.
- Hands-on learning: Students use industry tools like AutoCAD, Tinkercad, and SketchUp to design a home and learn core concepts in architectural engineering & construction.
- Pathways to professions: The goal is to spark passion for structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental engineering and more.
Ownership as a STEM Outcome
Beyond skills, TechCo Savvy leverages STEM to build modern homes in neighborhood blocks, boost local economies, and establish family wealth through homeownership. By pairing tech education with real estate development, students see how design decisions translate into community impact—property by property.
Project Status: Laying the Groundwork for Affordable Housing
The team has secured all permits. Foundation (all three) and water/sewer work are completed. With community support, TechCo Savvy will finish construction and bring these homes to market as affordable housing—transforming lessons into keys and closing costs.
FAST FACTS
- Mission: Deliver STEM/STEAM workforce skills to underserved youth in Chicago’s 24th Ward.
- Focus: Technology + Real Estate as dual engines for equity and opportunity.
- Tools: AutoCAD, Tinkercad, SketchUp for architecture & construction learning.
- Outcome: Career readiness, a pipeline of Black STEM professionals, and pathways to homeownership.
- Status: Permits in hand; foundation & water/sewer complete; support needed to finish and list as affordable housing.
How to Support
Be part of the build—invest in youth, workforce readiness, and affordable housing. For donations, partnerships, or volunteer opportunities, contact:
Lawon Williams
Email: lwilliams@techcosavvy.com
Phone: 708-556-7455
When we connect skills to ownership, we don’t just teach—we change outcomes. TechCo Savvy is building the blueprint for both.
