Little Friends, Inc. proudly hosted an 8-week SparkForce Inclusion Manufacturing Camp this summer, offering young adults with disabilities a unique opportunity to explore hands-on careers in manufacturing, develop essential job skills, and connect with local employers.
This impactful initiative is part of a national program funded by SparkForce, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA). SparkForce and Little Friends also receive support from the Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This summer’s manufacturing camp brought together local service organizations and manufacturing partners to empower high school and transition-age youth with disabilities by building job readiness, confidence, and career awareness in the manufacturing sector.
“This camp is about more than just learning skills—it’s about opening doors for an inclusive future workforce and introducing them to an area of employment they may have never thought about prior to this summer,” said Cassidy Kaput, Little Friends Director of Employment Services.
Camp highlights included:
- Behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on experiences at local manufacturing companies such as Premium Custom Products, Amsted Auto, ATI, Flexco, West Side Tractor, SkyJack and more.
- Career exploration and soft skills training.
- Safety awareness training and competency credentialing.
“This summer I learned how to work as a team and stay positive in the classroom,” said one camp participant. Another participant agreed, adding, “This camp is helping me to become successful so I can find a major and career in the future related to manufacturing.”
The SparkForce Inclusion Manufacturing Camp at Little Friends is one of many SparkForce camps nationwide focused on fostering inclusive opportunities in manufacturing and preparing tomorrow’s workforce today.
