Academics

YouthBuild programs operate as charter schools, alternative schools, or GED programs that engage unemployed young men and women ages 16-24, most of whom have dropped out of high school and all of whom come from low-income families. YouthBuild enables them to serve their communities by building affordable housing and assists them in transforming their own lives and roles in society. Many YouthBuild students have had experiences with foster care, juvenile justice, welfare, and homelessness.

The YouthBuild program model integrates education, leadership development, counseling, construction, and other vocational training skills, along with resources for graduates. Students are provided with comprehensive services and support to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes for postsecondary success. Implementation of the design model varies based on the local context.
 
YouthBuild schools exhibit certain fundamental principles that create the conditions under which young people can transform their lives. YouthBuild schools do the following:

• Build a safe, positive community of peers and adults
• Provide individualized attention to serve students
• Establish high expectations for all students
• Focus on a core academic curriculum
• Create relevant and tangible service experiences
• Involve youth in leadership opportunities
• Make resources and opportunities available to students after graduation

YouthBuild students divide their time between the YouthBuild alternative school and the construction (or other vocational training) site. Students prepare for high school diplomas, GEDs, vocational school, college, and careers. The curriculum integrates academics with life skills. Classes are small, allowing one-on-one attention to students, and many students earn AmeriCorps education awards to help pay for college expenses.

Our Community Commitment

All YouthBuild students are committed to civic engagement and community service through rebuilding affordable housing and advocating for their communities both locally and nationally. They learn to advocate for issues that concern them and their communities, and to take responsibility for themselves and their families.

Students share in the governance of their own program through an elected policy committee. Students construct or rehabilitate homes for homeless and low-income people in their communities; projects range from restoring multi-unit buildings to constructing new homes. Some programs train students for careers in the healthcare industry; others provide technology training during which students refurbish and install computers for low-income communities.

Our Future Leaders

YouthBuild is committed to preparing its students for graduation, careers, and postsecondary educational opportunities to give students the greatest range of future options for rewarding and independent lives.

For many students, the next step may be a one-year certification program, an apprenticeship, an associate's degree, or a four-year college degree. For others, it means building on their skills and interests that translate into meaningful jobs. There are many paths that YouthBuild students take and, with this in mind, YouthBuild programs have developed strong relationships with community colleges and universities, apprenticeship programs and unions, and transition service providers.