Skills & Art in Woodworking
S.A.W. is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and the community with hands-on carpentry and fine woodworking skills. Our program provides free vocational training to students, offering them opportunities to build careers in the skilled trades. Join us in shaping the future through craftsmanship!
We envision a community where craftsmanship, creativity, and skill-building open doors to economic empowerment and personal growth. By providing hands-on experience and industry connections, we help participants gain confidence and independence.
Our Mission
At Skills & Art in Woodworking (S.A.W.), we believe that woodworking is more than just a craft—it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, economic opportunity, and community development.
Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality carpentry education to young individuals and community members, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and certifications needed to secure meaningful employment in the skilled trades.
Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world projects, we empower students to build their futures—literally and figuratively. By working with wood, they learn more than just carpentry techniques; they develop problem-solving skills, patience, creativity, and discipline, all of which are essential for lifelong success.
Why Woodworking?
Woodworking and carpentry offer:
Tangible, Rewarding Work – Students see the results of their efforts firsthand, creating something lasting and functional.
In-Demand Skills – With a national shortage of skilled tradespeople, carpentry jobs offer stability, competitive wages, and career advancement.
Career Pathways – Many students use their training as a stepping stone into apprenticeships, business ownership, or specialized construction fields.
A Sense of Community – Working together on projects fosters teamwork, leadership, and pride in craftsmanship.
At S.A.W., we don’t just teach students how to build structures—we help them build confidence, independence, and pathways to success.
Through our free, hands-on program, we break down barriers to vocational education, ensuring that financial constraints never stand in the way of a promising career. We partner with local businesses, unions, and employers to provide direct industry connections, so every student who completes our program has the opportunity to enter the workforce with valuable skills and recognized certification.
Woodworking has the power to shape futures and strengthen communities. Whether it's a student crafting their first project or a graduate stepping into a new career, every lesson at S.A.W. is an investment in a brighter, more skilled tomorrow.