Urban Academy Work Study Program
“We’ve employed three LUA students, and the experience has been very positive. The students have been hard-working and reliable. In turn, our employees have enjoyed connecting with these kids and giving them real-world experiences.”
— Debra White, office manager for YOUNG Innovations
Work-Study Program is a Win-Win for Students, Employers
LYDIA Urban Academy’s work-study program is a great opportunity to make a difference in the life of a high school student — while at the same time receiving part-time help for your organization.
The Academy, located at 4300 Irving Park Road in Chicago, is a private alternative high school for students who have struggled in the traditional school setting. We help them earn a high school diploma and become productive, contributing members of society.
The school is very successful from an academic standpoint, with impressive retention rates, graduation rates and GPAs. However, we face two challenges. One is that these students lack role models who can show them how a high school education can lead to more education and a successful career. The other is that parents are sometimes unable to pay even a portion of their tuition.
Our work-study program addresses both of these challenges. Here’s how it works: Participating students are matched with companies (based on their skills and interests), where they work for eight hours a week in an entry-level position. Instead of paying the student a salary, employers pay a fee to the Academy. This fee is tax deductible as a business expense and is used to help cover the cost of the student-employee's tuition. A company may request one student or up to as many as four students a week on a rotating basis.
Students come prepared to work, thanks to a course at the Academy that explains the expectations of the business world, orients students to office equipment and helps students communicate effectively. Each student has a faculty advisor/job coach to help out if problems or concerns arise on the job.
A limited number of work-study placements also are available, at no cost, to not-for-profit organizations.
The work-study program is a unique opportunity to invest in a young person who is striving to succeed in life. To learn more, please contact Mary Gaskill, Church & Community Relations Manager, at
or 773-899-5381.
Click to view our PowerPoint presentation about the LUA Work Study Program.