A Community Centered Approach Labor of Love Program Empowering Students, Supporting Homeowners: The Labor of Love Program serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth for our students.
Labor of Love Program
Our commitment to reducing economic disparities in Black and Hispanic communities in the greater Philadelphia area goes beyond vocational education. In the Philadelphia metro, approximately 37% of owner-occupied homes require repairs, and about 41% are rented. It's important to note that the majority of these homes belong to Black and Hispanic families. Recognizing this dual need for practical, on-the-job training opportunities and community improvement, we introduced the Labor of Love program.
Our Labor of Love program is founded on the belief that the most effective way to develop both technical and soft skills, and instill confidence in our students, is by providing practical experience in real-world projects that directly benefit their community.
This community-centric approach not only enhances our students' technical skills but also nurtures their interpersonal and social skills, fostering empathy and a strong connection with the neighborhoods they serve. Through this program, we've seamlessly integrated community improvement projects into our vocational education curriculum.
Opportunity Inc.'s team comprises licensed and certified coaches and mentors from various specialties within the construction industry. They play a vital role in supporting students during Labor of Love projects, offering guidance, supervision, and valuable practical knowledge to ensure each project is executed with precision and quality craftsmanship.