In a world dominated by screens, apps, and instant results, something surprising is happening: young people are rediscovering the value of working with their hands. There’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship—the kind that requires patience, attention to detail, and pride in the finished product. At Automotive Mentoring Group, we see it every day. When students begin restoring a vehicle, they aren’t just learning how cars work. They’re learning what it feels like to crea

For many young people, learning doesn’t happen best sitting behind a desk. It happens with hands on an engine, tools in reach, and a mentor standing nearby saying, “Let’s figure this out together.” At Automotive Mentoring Group, the shop is the classroom. Instead of lectures and worksheets, students learn by doing—diagnosing problems, restoring vehicles, and seeing firsthand how effort leads to real results. This kind of learning builds more than technical skill; it builds co

A young man walked into our world with a simple but powerful question: “Where can I learn automotive restoration from someone who truly knows the craft?” Like many in his generation, he did what comes naturally—he Googled it. Not just automotive restoration classes or mechanic schools in Chicago , but something far more specific. He searched for: “The Mr. Miyagi of automotive restoration in Chicago.” That search said everything. More Than a Skill — A Mentor He wasn’t just lo

At Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG), we see firsthand how a shared passion can change the direction of a life. One of the most inspiring stories to come through our shop is that of a father and son who walked in with a classic car—and walked out with a strengthened bond, real-world skills, and a future that now reaches all the way into the skies. When they first arrived at AMG, the car was more of a dream than a drivable machine. Time had taken its toll, and the restoration a

In an era when technology evolves faster than ever, one timeless craft is quietly disappearing — automotive restoration . Across the country, only a limited number of organizations and educational institutions still teach the art of bringing classic cars back to life. For young people who dream of working with their hands, learning craftsmanship, and preserving automotive history, opportunities are becoming harder to find. That’s what makes the work of Automotive Mentoring Gr

At Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG), the sound of revving engines means more than horsepower—it represents hope, opportunity, and transformation. Inside the Chicago-based training garage, young people from every walk of life come together, united by one goal: to learn, grow, and build a better future through the art and discipline of automotive restoration. What makes AMG truly remarkable is its diversity. In the same workshop, you’ll find a young man who once faced gang pres

At Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG), we believe in second chances . Many of the young men and women we work with come from challenging...

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If you have old car parts sitting in your garage or taking up space in your shop, there are plenty of ways to put them to good use....

Do you have an old car sitting in your driveway or garage, collecting dust and taking up space? Whether it’s a classic car in need of...

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Most of AMG’s students come from fatherless households, they crave mentorship. Volun-teers work side-by-side with the trainees,...