MIMBUS supports and partners the Greater West Town Community Development Project in Chicago

This fall, MIMBUS has taken a significant step in supporting vocational education by donating a complete suite of advanced training simulators and services to the Greater West Town Community Development Project (GWTP), a leading community organization on Chicago’s west side.

A Unified Donation for Maximum Impact

As part of this partnership, GWTP received:

• WOOD ED TABLE: An innovative augmented reality woodworking simulator, valued at $80,000, offering risk-free, hands-on training on four essential woodworking machines.
• SimSpray from VRSim: A state-of-the-art virtual reality spray painting simulator, provided at a special cost of $5,000, enabling safe and immersive practice for students.
• MIMBUS Discover: An interactive platform to help learners explore and identify their aptitudes for skilled trades, supporting career orientation and personal growth.
• MIMBUS Logistics: A specialized simulator for training in logistics, transportation, and distribution, perfectly suited for GWTP’s TDL (Transportation, Distribution & Logistics) programs.
• Free Training: MIMBUS is offering complimentary training sessions to GWTP staff and instructors, ensuring seamless integration and effective use of all donated simulators.

To facilitate the deployment and use of these technologies, GWTP invested in a 4-headset flightcase, allowing flexible installation and easy access for both students and trainers.

GWTP: Building Pathways to Success

Founded in 1988, GWTP has dedicated over 35 years to creating educational and economic opportunities for low-income communities of color in Chicago, focusing on neighborhoods such as Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, East & West Garfield Park, Belmont Cragin, and Austin.

Operating from a modern, energy-efficient 55,000-square-foot facility, GWTP offers certified, hands-on training programs including:

• Woodworking & Manufacturing: Skills training for careers in wood products manufacturing, now enhanced by the WOOD ED TABLE and other simulators.
• Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL): Preparing workers for jobs in logistics and transportation, now supported by MIMBUS Logistics.
• Career Pathways: Personalized support to help youth and adults secure employment and build long-term careers.
• Alternative High Schools: Education opportunities for 16–21-year-olds who have not succeeded in traditional schools, through institutions like YCCS-West and West Town Academy.

GWTP’s vision centers on building resilient communities by fostering intergenerational self-sufficiency.

A Partnership for Lasting Change

By donating this comprehensive package of simulators and training, MIMBUS is directly strengthening GWTP’s capacity to deliver high-quality, innovative vocational education. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering educators and learners, combining technology, pedagogy, and ongoing support to open new pathways for Chicago’s communities.

MIMBUS designs and develops virtual reality training solutions for skilled trades, enabling safe, hands-on learning, skill development, and talent recognition. We are proud to support GWTP in its mission to make training a key driver of lasting empowerment and brighter futures.