What does it take to breathe new life into once vibrant communities?
A skilled workforce, yes, but also big-picture thinking, new partnerships, and new ideas. We’re developing all three.
Community development
Community development

To learn more about OAI’s community development initiatives, call
Dr. Sandra Dafiaghor PhD at (708) 283-5020

Our focus is metropolitan Chicago’s South Side, where we collaborate with a variety of manufacturers, agencies, and local government partners to increase skills and opportunities in a region whose economy offers few options.
SouthWorks MakerLab
People come together at the MakerLab to learn something new, prototype product ideas, work on a passion project, or start a business around a product they’ve designed. MakerLab also offers low-cost, hands-on courses in the use of new technologies and lean start-up product development training for entrepreneurs.
Who participates
Open to the public
Course work and credentials
MakerLab courses include STEM, product prototyping, and business start-up offerings to encourage community members to explore the intersection of making and manufacturing. Courses are regularly offered in all technologies, with new offerings focusing on Etsy site optimization, design thinking, and virtual reality.
Post-training services
Mentoring and consulting services available
Where
OAI Chicago Southland, 214 Forest Blvd., Park Forest, IL 60466
How to enroll
For more information or to enroll, contact Don Brozek at (708) 283-5020
Funding partners
US Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund
Village of Park Forest
Young Manufacturers Association
Who participates
Youth and young adults ages 18–29
Post-training services
Job placement assistance, post-training follow-up tracking, career coaching, support services, and mentoring.
Where
South Suburban Cook County and the West Side of Chicago
How to enroll
For more information or to enroll, contact Don Brozek at (708) 283-5020
Funding partners
Cook County Justice Advisory Council
Regional STEM Learning Exchange in Manufacturing
Who participates
High school students in STEM programs and local manufacturing companies
Where
Calumet region of metropolitan Chicago
How to enroll
For more information or to enroll, contact Don Brozek at (708) 283-5020
Funding partners
Illinois Manufacturers Association Education Foundation
Robotics Challenge
Who participates
High school students in STEM programs and local manufacturing companies
Where
Calumet region of metropolitan Chicago
How to enroll
For more information or to enroll, contact Don Brozek at (708) 283-5020
Funding partners
Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation and local employers
Illinois Manufacturers Association Education Foundation