What is the S.I.M.S. Youth Program?
S.I.M.S. (Sharing & Incorporating My Studies) has after school, weekend and summer programming designed to introduce students to the power of the building trades. We don't just teach the youth how to handle tools, we show them how their high school math, science and reading assignments apply directly to real world construction projects. By grounding academic studies with physical, tangible creation, we help student build confidence, discover high paying career avenues and find purpose in their education.
Students:
Trade the desk for the workshop
Why sit through another lecture when you can build something real? If you like working with your hands, solving problems and seeing immediate results of your effort, S.I.M.S. is the place for you
Get your hands dirty! Lear the basics of carpentry, design and tool safety from industry professionals.
Earn bragging rights! Take pride in building real structures and seeing your projects come to life.
Zero experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and work ethic, we will give you the rest. We start from the beginning and build you up!
Parents:
Give your child the early advantage.
Give them a headstart on a secure, debt-free future! Enrolling your teenager in the trades early isn't just about teaching them carpentry - it's about building character, work ethic and life options.
Safety First! Our controlled workshop enviornment prioritizes rigorous safety habits, strict supervision and proper protective gear.
Boost academic focus! By seeing how geometry, algebra and physics apply to real life job sites, students show renewed focus in their classes. We offer tutoring to help them maintain their grades during the school year.
Character & accountability! We instill the professional soft skills early: punctuality, teamwork, respect, accountability & leadership.
Educators & Counselors:
Provide your students with options.
Give your tactile and experiential learners a place to thrive. We partner with local educators, guidance counselors and community mentors to provide a constructive outlet for students who learn best by doing!
Senior Projects Register your students to complete their Senior Project with the S.I.M.S. program to complete community projects for those in need
Behavioral growth. We offer structured, positive peer environment that channels energy into productive craftsmanship. We have seen improvement in students going through our program.
Clear career pathways! We give you a concrete resource to recommend to students looking for alternative post-graduation routes.
The Blueprint for lifelong success
We don't just offer a temporary workshop; we offer a seamless transition into adulthood and financial freedom
Introduction to tools, basic construction & academic connection. Building confidence and safety habits early.
S.I.M.S. Youth Program
Earning a high school diploma while maintaining a steady connection, guidance and charagcter develoment with SSC mentors.
High School Graduation
18+ Seamless entry into our free, intensive 10-week adult workforce bootcamp. Advanced trade skills, financial literacy and career placement.
"The Bridge" Program
Entering Western PA building trade unions or local contracting firms with stable, high-paying career, preat benefits and zero college debt!
Employment & Union
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
Is there a cost for my child to participate in the S.I.M.S. program? No. Like all of our foundations trainings, there is no cost to our students.
When do classes start and where are they held? Programs run on rotating cycles after school and select weekends at our Aliquippa workshop. Exact calendar details are provided upon acceptance.
Will this interfere with their high school classes and schoolwork? It's the opposite! "Incorporating My Studies" is a core part of our mission. We actively monitor our students' academic standing to ensure they maintain a 3.0 minimum. We emphasize that true craftsman must master both the mind and the hands, using our projects to reinforce classroom concepts.