WELCOME TO
YOUNG ENGINEERS
CHICAGO NEAR WEST
ABOUT US
Engineering the Future, One Brick at a Time.
Young Engineers Chicago Near West is a local, woman-owned small business based in Humboldt Park. Since 2021, we have been the premier provider of hands-on STEM enrichment for curious minds across Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Garfield Park, and the surrounding Near West neighborhoods in Chicago.
We take the bricks your child loves to the next level. While other programs might build a simple toy car, our students construct functional models with real mechanical components—like dual-gear transmissions and propulsion systems. We use specialized motorized building block kits to turn playtime into a powerful learning experience.
In our classes, students don't just snap pieces together; they discover the engineering and physics principles behind their creations. Whether it is an after-school class, a summer camp, or a special event, our goal is simple: to give children the confidence to solve problems and a deep understanding of how the world works.
MEET THE ENGINEER BEHIND THE PROGRAM
I am Kita Gandhi, the Founder and Program Director of Young Engineers Chicago Near West. I started this business in 2021 with a simple goal: to bring authentic, high-quality STEM education to our local students. I wanted to create a space where kids could do more than just play—they could actually learn how things work from someone who has done it for a living.
My own love for engineering started early, growing up as the daughter of a mechanical engineer. I followed that passion to Washington University in St. Louis and the University of California, Berkeley, earning both my Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering.
I bring 25 years of real-world experience to the classroom, spanning the pharmaceutical industry and engineering consulting.
I love being able to share that professional perspective with our students.
I believe every child deserves the chance to better understand the world around them, and I am passionate about introducing the next generation to the wonders of engineering!
CURRENT PROGRAMS
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
We support inclusivity. The beauty of engineering for children of all different abilities!
Building and playing aren’t just for kids anymore! Let us design your next team building activity.
ABOUT YOUNG ENGINEERS
Founded in 2008, Young Engineers operates engineering afterschool activities in over 100 countries. Our mission is to prepare 4-15 year-old students for the changing demands of the 21st century workforce. With over 30,000 happy students globally, Young Engineers has been recognized by the Harvard School of Education and the European Union Commission. The Young Engineers approach utilizes the Spiral Method, allowing new concepts to be taught while building on the previous programs’ subjects. We always encourage newcomers and reteach lessons to ensure all our students are up to speed.
CONTACT US
Please fill out your details and we will contact you as soon as possible
- 773 609 4112
- ChiNearWest@youngengineers.org
- Chicago, IL