Our purpose is to...Thumbs Up Academy’s purpose is to give Rhode Island youth earlier access to hands-on skilled-trades education, career exploration, and practical learning opportunities. Our first program will focus on plumbing and is being developed for young people who may have limited opportunities to experience the skilled trades before reaching high school career and technical education programs or entering the workforce.Through hands-on instruction, tool and PPE safety, plumbing fundamentals, career exploration, mentorship, and exposure to experienced tradespeople, we aim to help youth discover their abilities, build confidence, develop practical skills, and better understand the career pathways available to them.Our initial work will focus on youth in Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities. We are developing the program with input from local families, community organizations, tradespeople, educators, and other stakeholders so that it reflects the needs and opportunities of the young people we serve.Our long-term purpose is to create an accessible pathway for youth to explore skilled trades, develop foundational skills, and make more informed decisions about their education and future careers. We also aim to reduce financial and access barriers that can prevent young people from exploring the trades by connecting students with training, tools, safety equipment, industry resources, and supportive mentors.