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ComEd CONSTRUCT Youth Academy

ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy

Calling all Chicago-area rising high school juniors and seniors! The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is partnering with ComEd for the ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy, which focuses on building awareness of trade career opportunities by introducing youth to entry-level craft positions such as Construction Workers and Overhead Helpers. 

We Know, We Know, “Academy” Sounds Like School, But... 

We promise that ComEd CONSTRUCT Youth Academy is so much more than that! Each summer, the YMCA and ComEd hold weeks-long cohorts where youth learn the ins and outs of trade careers in the energy sector. In addition to increasing participants’ knowledge, awareness, and capabilities, this program also provides participants with opportunities to apply for ComEd adult programming and entry-level careers.   

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ComEd CONSTRUCT Youth Academy — Summer Break Edition 

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is partnering with ComEd again this summer for the 2026 ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy! Join us for this FREE two-week program. Enhance your training, knowledge, and skills for field roles requiring physical aptitude while also improving your career readiness and preparing for future employment opportunities.

All applicants must be rising high school juniors or seniors; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Kelly Hall YMCA

    Classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from July 13 to 24 at the Kelly Hall YMCA. Both locations offer off-site field trips to ComEd training facilities!
    Apply Now!

  • South Side YMCA - No Longer Accepting Applications

    Classes run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 15 through 26 at the South Side YMCA. Both locations offer off-site field trips to ComEd training facilities!

As If That Wasn’t Enough, Here Are Three More Reasons to Apply:

  1. Youth participate in this program at no cost! 
  2. There will be a fun graduation ceremony (where you’ll definitely fulfill your yearly family-photo quota).    
  3. Upon successful completion of the ComEd CONSTRUCT Youth Academy, participants receive a $400 stipend!  

Congratulations to Our Past Graduates!

We celebrated another group of graduates from the ComEd CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Youth Academy! This past summer’s program concluded with two joyful graduation ceremonies celebrating a new generation of young people stepping confidently into their futures. Read our blog post to learn more about our program outcomes and experiences!

BLOG POST
  • This program is intended for rising juniors and seniors in high school. 
  • Yes! This program is provided at no cost to participants. 
  • PPE will be provided to all participants. 
  • A $400 stipend will be granted to participants after the culminating graduation ceremony and successful completion of the program. 
  • Beyond programming at YMCA Community Hubs, there will be visits to off-site ComEd training facilities, and transportation will be provided. 
  • Please contact our staff at [email protected]!