>> Teen takeovers remain a hot topic in Chicago and across the country as officials and residents debate how to combat the large gatherings that can turn violent.

One argument is that kids need more opportunities to access productive outlets.

One local organization is taking a hands-on approach by teaching young people new skills while also building their confidence.

Joanna Hernandez has the story.

Inside this workshop.

Lessons found in textbooks.

>> They're learned by hand We're going expect fransisco it'll be let's teach in Chicago teens how to repair and build bicycles while helping them build confidence along the way, teaching them how to empower themselves through cycling through the mechanics of light.

>> I don't know how to do is is like no.

You don't know how to The Bikes and Roses Program operates out of a shop in Belmont Cragin.

>> Eighteen-year-old Kevin Keatts be has been part of the program for 4 years old by us here.

I don't.

And we have because Bill time.

>> We I we I we even have open shop every Thursday where we have kids coming from the community.

Kloza communities come by.

We all work together fix and buy it.

Some kids how to fix or buy.

>> 15 year-old David Earl.

The Tegus says the program has helped him step out of his comfort zone.

It doesn't just help with Mike schools or whatever, but I.

>> And hopefully like problem solving confidence.

We try to be a better person like try to like better raised in Pilsen.

Rubio says he understands firsthand.

>> How the right mentor can change a young person's myself and my boss.

David, we kind of see the positive miss of like working with your hands and seen something to be really rough and you'll be able to polish it.

>> Bikes and roses is one of several free programs under communities.

United Workbench Project initiative giving young people a chance to explore trades like bike mechanics, woodworking and welding along the way many participants are in a financial stipend for a paycheck.

>> These programs are completely essential for these communities where we're at now with schools not getting appropriate funding after-school programs being cut or not having enough of them.

These programs offer young people something to do in the summers and outside of school, but also an opportunity to learn in a different way.

>> Just a few miles away in the Austin neighborhood.

Sparks are flying as another group of teens were into different rates.

>> A lot of we all come together and work together.

Everybody is hopeful.

Tom Inslee.

>> I do think it's good skill to have because they say this technically like a job and I'm like thinking like all like preparing me for like the future.

We >> Instructors, Sophia Lopez says the goal isn't just teaching students how to weld.

She says it's about teaching them how to work through challenges.

I really do try to reinforce that whether it's like the machines not working or I can't get this to work in a certain way.

Giving them the tools and the confidence to pause.

Take a second.

What do I know right now and how can I fix >> We want young people to leave this program with an understanding of how they can build their own narratives.

And so despite what other people have told them.

There's a lot of time to grow who you are as an individual.

>> Whether its repairing a biker welding metal.

These mentors hope the teenagers leave with aren't just technical.

>> live in low-income areas.

There's also still some gang activities.

So it's kind of like the more that we teach them how to build community amongst themselves and look out for each other is like a real benefit.

If there's people struggling out there.

thing they don't have anybody talk to are like.

>> They're alone in the world.

Like find yourself a program like this and like it would really change minds about the whole world.

>> For Chicago tonight, I'm joined on this bikes and roses