Not every teenager comes from a situation where they see HOPE in their future. A future where ADVANCEMENT personally and professionally is possible. But the reality is, that taking NEW DIRECTIONS are possible when the right tools and mindset are adopted. Our H.A.N.D. Project is aimed at providing just these things to those in our community that need to see the opportunities right in front of them!
what our project focuses on
The H.A.N.D. Project, which stands for Hope, Advancement and New Directions is a program designed to be taught to high school aged students to address life skills gaps.
Many kids today are not being taught best practices to help them succeed in the job market. Basic financial literacy, parenting skills, social emotional regulation tools, and much more.
The wonderful educators at our local high schools have an important job to do, which is to teach their various subjects. It isn’t their job to fill in and help build up these skills even though we know many will and do help students however they can to succeed. It is the parents or guardians who should be teaching these skills and life lessons. However, what you don’t know, you can’t teach. And that is not their fault either, or perhaps they do know it but have to work multiple jobs and don’t have the time to pass it along.
We feel that being United, while in our name, is literally what we should all be doing, and get back to the old idea of it taking a village! That’s where we are stepping in to help pull in local business owners, experts, government agencies and more to help facilitate these important learning sessions to provided these critical life skills.
Courses
These courses are designed to be basic informational level, appropriate for high school & college aged audiences to provide a foundation of knowledge and encourage continuous learning and growth in these areas, as well as help avoid cycles of poverty or instability in our community.
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This two hour course is designed to help teens create their first resume by providing a sample resume and discussions on what to include for an appropriate high school/college student resume.
For the second class they are expected to have it completed as well as the basics of their LinkedIn account (those 16+) giving them the foundational pieces to adjust as they progress throughout their lives and careers. Also covered is best practices in job searches, proper interview attire and tips for success.
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A one hour informative session designed for open dialogue around interview best practices, dressing for success and resume tips.
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Under Development
While all high school students take a health class, there just isn’t enough time to cover everything. Far too many at risk youth are likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Far too many food products on the market are lacking anything that might be even closely considered a balanced diet. Mental health issues are abundant in our youth today due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in their lives during critical developmental years.
This course addresses these issues and is under constant assessment. Outside providers are leveraged to provide experts in respective areas to bring carefully selected curriculum to the youth in each community.
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Under Development
Generation Z and Generation Alpha behind them are growing up in a digital world. One that is full of all sorts of threats. This course leverages law enforcement and other industry experts to highlight current issues in online and offline safety for teenagers as well as how they can be situationally aware and report or deal with threats when they are present.
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Under Development
Financial security is one of our impact areas at the United Way and a huge concern in our community. The long term success of our community depends on our youth getting a solid financial basics foundation.
This will cover topics such as how to open an account, what records are needed, record keeping, basics of credit and much more.
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Under Development
As two topics that are always changing and difficult to understand for most people, they can be extremely overwhelming for teens.
This foundational level course highlights the basics of various types of insurance they need now, and in the near future. What to look for and avoid. How to file taxes and any relevant tax law changes provided by local experts.
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Under Development
As a generation that communicates frequently via mobile devices this course will discuss communication more broadly. Topics such as verbal vs nonverbal communication and open discussions on how this is important in personal relationships and professional environments.
Also covered is emotional intelligence which includes gender differences in communication, personality, how different cultures may interpret communication differently.
This will help local youth be more prepared to communicate openly, effectively and work in an ever increasingly diverse workforce.
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Under Development
This course teaches time management strategies, productivity systems, and performance habits. You'll discover how to eliminate procrastination, manage multiple deadlines, balance academics with extracurriculars, and create sustainable routines that lead to success.
Collaborating Organizations
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Site Hosting
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Site Hosting
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Content Collaboration
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REFERRAL PARTNER
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REFERRAL PARTNER
How do we fund this?
Funding for this project comes from our 309 Small Business Initiative and individual donors. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and employ many of our area youth. We feel this is a natural fit to pair these two, as increasing various life skills will lead to many benefits for both the business and our youth.
Benefits For Youth
Personal Development Skills
Academic & Career Readiness
Health & Wellness Strategies
Financial Empowerment
Social & Communication Skills Development
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Resiliency
Benefits For Businesses
Workforce Development
Community Investment & Brand Building
Long-term Economic Benefits
Networking & Partnership Opportunities
Employee Engagement
Increased Revenue Potential
Competitive Advantage In Hiring Youth
Upcoming Schedule
september 17th 2025
Midwest Central High School
Manito, IL
As part of their annual College & Career Fair Day Midwest Central High School and participating 8th graders can elect to participate in one of four sessions centered on job skills, LinkedIn and dressing for success during the job search. Students must sign up internally with the school.
January 27th 2026
Pekin Community High School
Pekin, IL
As part of their annual Future Focus Day students can elect to participate in a two hour session focused on resumes, LinkedIn, dressing for success during the job search, proper etiquette and a mock interview if time permits. This future focus day is perfect for students who wish to leverage the April session to connect with potential employers at the job fair. Students must sign up internally with the school.
April 28th 2026
Pekin Community High School
Pekin, IL
As part of their annual Future Focus Day students can elect to participate in a two hour session focused on resumes, LinkedIn, dressing for success during the job search, proper etiquette and a mock interview if time permits. For students who didn’t take this in January this is a great opportunity to prepare for that summer job, college positions, etc! Students must sign up internally with the school.