Chicago

Elevating Chicago's Youth Through Service.

buildOn in Chicago mobilizes high school students to embrace social responsibility, uplift their neighborhoods, and realize their fullest potential through the transformative power of community service.

Through hands-on experiences, our Service Learning Program fosters agency, community engagement, and personal growth—equipping students with the tools they need to thrive as adults.

Drive for Students 2026

Swing big. Change lives. Join us for our annual Drive for Students fundraising scramble sponsored by Synchrony Financial to support buildOn’s Chicago students.

Where: La Grange Country Club • 620 S Brainard Ave • La Grange, IL
When: Monday, June 22, 2026

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Support Our Chicago Students

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About buildOn in Chicago

Since 2005, buildOn has been deeply embedded in the fabric of Chicago and remains unwavering in its commitment to our students. We are rising to the challenge to continue our important work by engaging students in free service-learning programming in six Chicago high schools—Benito Juarez Community Academy, Curie Metro High School, Michele Clark Magnet High School, Morgan Park High School, Richards Career Academy, and Carl Schurz High School.

buildOn students stock local food pantries and serve meals to Chicagoans experiencing food insecurity.

buildOn students in Chicago tutor and mentor younger children in their communities, serving as strong role models.

buildOn students take to Chicago's streets to distribute food to those in need, demonstrating kindness and inspiring their community.

Our Chicago Impact

1,539

students currently engaged

526,401

hours served in the community

98%

of buildOn students graduate high school

70%

of buildOn students attend college

Our Service Methodology

A buildOn student tutors younger children in their community

Service is at the heart of buildOn’s mission. Each week, students make a meaningful impact by serving those in need and helping improve their neighborhoods.

Seventy-five percent of buildOn activities focus on direct service, like serving meals, tutoring children, and connecting with seniors. The other twenty-five percent includes beautification projects, such as cleaning graffiti, creating public art, and planting gardens to feed their neighbors.

Ella Chavez, Benito Juarez High School Student, buildOn in Chicago

“I’m really happy that I joined buildOn because my communication skills are just a lot stronger now. I’ve also become a more confident person—I feel like I can help anybody. I love buildOn.”

Ella Chavez / Benito Juarez High School Student

Ciara Garcia Morales, buildOn in Chicago student, Curie Metro High School

“I think more people should take action in community service because it helps others, supports the environment, and brings us together as a community. We create bonds and grow more appreciative of one another. It’s good to know there are people who truly care.”

Ciara Garcia Morales / Curie Metro High School Student

Meet Juan! A buildOn Alum.

Meet Juan Antonio Gomez, known as “Mr. buildOn,” a Chicago alum whose commitment to service helped him find confidence, purpose, and leadership.

I was always the shy one. Service gave me confidence and leadership skills. My Engagement Specialist told me to remember: You’re not alone. Everyone is there for you.

Juan did so many service hours that his classmates nicknamed him “Mr. buildOn!” He still helps out as a facilitator at Service Immersions to this day.

Read Juan’s Story

Explore Partnership Opportunities

PARTNERSHIP PACKET

Have questions?

Please contact buildOn in Chicago’s Executive Director Dan Gaudette at daniel.gaudette@buildon.org for additional information about partnership and program opportunities.