PPCI Program Priorities & Strategic Pillars
Power of People Community Initiatives (PPCI) is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization strengthening communities through early exposure to skilled trades, career exploration programs, and workforce development training in the electrical and renewable energy industries.
We create equitable, sustainable career pathways that support youth and adults at critical life stages — building long-term economic mobility, community wealth, and access to living-wage careers.
Our programming operates as a connected workforce pipeline, designed to move participants from awareness to employment.Our Three Strategic Program Pillars
PILLAR 1: Early Introduction to the Trades
Youth STEM & Skilled Trades Exposure (Ages 9–13)
Building Awareness, Confidence, and Curiosity
Program Overview
PPCI introduces youth ages 9–13 to the skilled trades before traditional career tracking begins. Through engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences, students develop foundational skills in math, reading, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving.
We help young people see themselves as builders, engineers, electricians, and innovators early in life.
Core Learning Areas
Paper folding & spatial reasoning activities
Applied math & measurement skills
Reading comprehension & following technical instructions
Hands-on electrical and science-based experiments
Community Partner
Claretian Associates
PILLAR 2: Career Exploration
High School Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Pathways (Ages 14–18)
Connecting Education to Real-World Career Opportunities
Program Overview
PPCI’s Career Exploration programs provide high school students with hands-on exposure to the electrical trade and other skilled careers. We support students who may not see themselves in traditional four-year college pathways by introducing apprenticeships, union trades, and technical careers as respected, high-paying alternatives.
This pillar bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry opportunities.
Core Learning Areas
Professional soft skills (communication, teamwork, workplace expectations)
Hands-on electrical training experiences
Career navigation and pathway mapping
Understanding apprenticeships and union trade careers
Community Partners
Chicago Public Schools (Simeon Career Academy)
Safe Places
PILLAR 3: Workforce Development
Adult Electrical & Renewable Energy Career Training (18+)
From Interest to Employment
Program Overview
PPCI creates direct pathways into living-wage careers in the electrical and renewable energy sectors, including solar workforce opportunities. We focus on adults facing barriers to employment, offering preparation, mentorship, and industry-aligned training.
Our workforce development programs strengthen Chicago’s local talent pipeline while supporting economic mobility and community wealth-building.
Core Learning Areas
Electrical aptitude exam preparation
Foundational electrical knowledge
Introduction to solar and renewable energy careers
Career navigation and workforce readiness
Reentry support and barrier reduction
Industry & Training Partners
Spurlock & Son Inc.
IBEW Renewable Energy Fund
Safe Places