Build the Machine. Build the AI. Build Your Path.

AIVillage Tech Institute helps young people ages 11 to 24 discover what they are capable of through hands-on computer hardware and personalized local AI — connecting their natural passions to real education, careers, and economic opportunity.

Because “it take a village”

One Mission. Two Distinct Environments.

Whether inside your school campus or across our independent community workshops, every student starts with hands-on PC hardware and builds outward into their own future.

Students building PC hardware in The Traveling Village Tech Lab
In-School Programs (Grades 6–12)

The In-School Pop-Up Lab

We roll The Traveling Village Tech Lab directly into middle schools and high schools for a hands-on 5-day workshop. Kids get out of their seats, use real screwdrivers to take apart computers, install operating systems, and set up their own local AI.

  • • $0 Cost to Schools — We provide all computer towers, tools, and materials.
  • • Zero Wi-Fi Load — Runs 100% offline with no burden on school networks.
  • • 100% Student Privacy — Air-gapped; we never touch or collect student records.
  • • Career Center Feeder — Sparks early interest for CTE programs like Wilco and trade paths.
Explore In-School Programs →
Students and mentors coding in after-school and summer workshop
After-School / Summer Programs (Ages 11–24)

The Community Workshop

Outside of school hours, AIVillage runs weekly workshops, Saturday open labs, and summer sessions where youth dive deeper into building tech, learning practical skills, and working with mentors.

  • • Grouped by Age — Dedicated Discovery (11-13), Builder (14-17), and Launch (18-24) sessions.
  • • Court Diversion & Community Service — Verified technical hours replacing punitive chores.
  • • Skills You Keep — Hands-on computer repair, Linux commands, and problem-solving.
  • • Community Mentors — Caring local mentors supporting youth all the way through age 24.
Explore After-School / Summer Programs →

The System Builder Ladder

Every student starts by holding physical silicon in their hands. They build mechanical trust, conquer the command line, and use local AI to engineer their own pathway.

1

Build the Machine — Bare-Metal Hardware

Students take apart real desktop computers all the way down to the metal chassis. They hold CPUs, RAM sticks, power supplies, and hard drives in their hands. They clean the parts, put everything back together, and hear the system beep to life.

2

Build the OS — Linux & Terminal Mastery

Learning how computers work under the hood. Students boot open-source Linux, control the machine directly through the command line, check live processor activity, and see how internet data travels across networks.

3

Build the AI — Local Offline Intelligence

Unplug the internet cord. Students run real AI models right on their own computer—no subscriptions, no ads, no data tracking. They learn AI is math, not magic, and set up their own personalized AI assistant.

4

Build Your System — Python Automation

Moving from playing games to building tools. Students write simple Python code to connect with their offline AI, solve real problems, and automate everyday tasks.

5

Discover Your Path — Applied Pathway Studios

Technology is just the tool—the student's passion chooses the direction. Whether it's cars, music, starting a lawn care business, sports stats, or understanding their legal rights, they apply tech to their real interests.

6

Build Your Future — The Village Support System

Connecting what they build to next steps: high school CTE tracks like Wilco, trade apprenticeships, college credits, and a supportive community of mentors through age 24.

Hands-on PC Hardware Assembly
Real Hardware

Bare-Metal Hardware

Every student takes apart and rebuilds a real PC tower to understand how computer hardware actually works.

Local Offline AI Systems
Offline AI

Local Offline AI

Running real AI models directly on the computer without internet, cloud fees, or anyone tracking their data.

Python & Software Automation
Simple Code

Python Automation

Writing simple code that connects to their offline AI to automate tasks, fix problems, and build projects.

“The AI doesn’t replace the village. It helps the village see the same child.”

Instead of teachers, parents, and counselors operating in isolated silos, the student-built personal AI bridges the gap — connecting the student's true strengths, passions, and struggles to the adults ready to support them.

Applied Pathway Studios

We don't force every kid to become a coder. We show them how hands-on tech and smart tools give them a real advantage in whatever they already love doing.

Tech & Hardware

Technology & Cyber

Taking apart and fixing computers, learning terminal commands, setting up home networks, and protecting your accounts and data from hackers.

Hands-On Business

Trades & Local Business

Starting your own local service hustle: pricing jobs, mapping daily routes, sending invoices, and using simple AI tools to land customers and manage your gear.

Cars & Mechanics

Automotive Systems

Understanding how cars are made and how engines work. Hands-on troubleshooting, car electrical systems, and the difference between gas engines and modern electric vehicles (EVs).

Music & Media

Media, Beats & Design

Making beats and producing music, editing videos, designing clothing and graphics, and building your own creative portfolio online.

Your Rights

Law & Advocacy

Knowing your rights as a citizen or non-citizen, understanding how courts work, researching real cases, and learning how laws have shaped our communities throughout history.

Leadership

Civic Leadership

Public speaking, speech writing, learning how your town actually runs, and leading neighborhood projects that make your community better.

Sports & Fitness

Health & Athletic Performance

Tracking athletic stats and game performance, understanding workouts and body recovery, and using smart fitness tech to stay healthy.

Your Passion

Build Your Own Path

Whatever you love—from gaming to cooking to sneakers—we show you how technology and AI can turn your passion into a real project and future career.

Explore All Applied Pathway Studios →

Board of Directors

Rooted in Bolingbrook and Chicagoland, our leadership brings lived experience, technical mastery, and passionate community advocacy to every student we serve.

Christopher Daniels - Founder & Executive Director

Christopher Daniels

Founder & Executive Director • Board Chair

Lifelong Chicagoland technologist, computer builder, and Bolingbrook resident. Founder of ThePuterGuy.net and creator of the AIVillage hands-on hardware and local AI learning lab.

Jan Lashea - Director of Community Engagement & Treasurer

Jan Lashea

Director of Community Engagement • Board Treasurer

Bolingbrook community leader and youth advocate dedicated to parent partnerships, supporting families, and keeping our programs accountable and compliant.

Nina Flanagan - Director of Student Advocacy & Secretary

Nina Flanagan

Director of Student Advocacy • Board Secretary

Bolingbrook community ambassador and youth mentor passionate about student outreach, second chances, and helping young people find positive direction.

IRS 501(c)(3) Public Charity
State GATA ID: 711127 (Good Standing)
Federal SAM.gov: UEI WRUFRZDRP5N5
IL SOS File: 75635702
District Cost: $0.00 Philanthropic
Serving Cook & Will Counties, Illinois

Empowering Youth & Young Adults Across Chicagoland • Cook & Will Counties, Illinois