Improving our marine environment through action & education
Youth Build
The Youth Build program prepares at risk youth for good jobs and promotes the attainment of skills and knowledge necessary for success in a knowledge-based economy. Youth Build specifically serves at-risk youth ages 16-24 that are current or former high school dropouts with the greatest challenges to finding good jobs. Youth Build is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities .
Youth learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries. Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. Youth split their time between the vocational training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for post secondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment. Youth Build includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement
Key features of the Youth Build model include:
• education (high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent)
• occupational skills training (industry-recognized credentials in construction or other in-demand industries)
• leadership development
• innovative alternative education programs
• individualized and project-based instruction