Building Strong:  Student-Run Program

Building Strong is a year-long comprehensive program that employs high school students to run their own business for the benefit of their neighborhood. The students take on every aspect of project management, from initiating and planning to executing, validating and evaluating. Building Strong empowers students with the skills and perspective required to take ownership of their future, as well as their community’s future. 

The youth that have participated in Building Strong have successfully established over 300 parks and playgrounds. The program can be customized to a wide range of city needs and leverage existing initiatives.  Whatever the project, Building Strong ensures on-time and on-budget results with all safety and manufacturer specifications met or exceeded.  Taking responsibility for a project within their own backyard is what makes our student-run business unique and successful.

A Tested and Proven Program:

Building Strong has been successfully implemented in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) as the Playground Pilots program.   Endorsed by Mayor Daley, the CPS program engaged over 450 students to build 300 playgrounds in the decade from 2003 to 2013.  Thousands of public school students continue to enjoy the playgrounds while the pride and skills developed by the student builders propels them still today.

"Working for playground pilots I learned transferable skills that I use in my professional work life today. I got to travel all across the city building playground that still stand and that’s something I’m very proud of."

-Anthony Hall, Student Builder, CPS Playground Pilots , 2005-2007

Each Building Strong Project: 

  • Develops understanding and high expectations for success in a collaborative business environment, with a focus on timeliness, professionalism, accountability, leadership, and following the direction of others — life skills that will be useful in their future education and career opportunities.

  • Exposes students to the broad areas of work and study that impact a successful business venture, including architecture, accounting, marketing, drafting, procurement, child development, etc.  Show and discuss the variety of future career options available to them.

  • Channels funds that are already allocated for capital improvements into a program that is cost competitive and supports the development of local youth.  

  • Fosters a sense of pride in and commitment to the community.

  • Develops strong individual and team work ethic by setting high expectations and achievable outcomes.

  • Engages clients in a comprehensive review program to demonstrate to students the importance of feedback.

  • Designs customized playground to meet the needs of each community, ensuring that the playground or park is responsive to the community and client’s specific needs.

  • Meets or exceeds all industry standards including ASTM, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).  This objective ensures that all our playgrounds provide a safe place to play.