the youthbuild program theres a lot of love in youthbuild, and some day were going to spread it...
TRANSCRIPT
The YouthBuild Program
“There’s a lot of love in YouthBuild, and some day we’re going to spread it around the world.”
Victor Ortiz, age 17, Youth Action Program (1981)
Purpose of YouthBuild
To unleash the positive energy of unemployed, low-income young adults to rebuild their communities and their own lives with a commitment to work, education, responsibility and family.
Benchmarks of Graduate Success• Success in postsecondary education or
credential attainment• Building towards or maintaining a family
sustaining wage and satisfying career• Creating a positive personal and social
support network• Engaging and providing leadership in
community affairs• Caring for emotional and physical health• Building financial and other life assets
5 YB Components
EDUCATION ● academic skills
● numeracy & literacy gains● high school credential
● vocational skills ● college success skills
CONSTRUCTION● supervised training
● career success skills● vocational education ● pre-apprenticeship
● certifications ● green bldg
CASE MGMT● peer counseling
● individual counseling● mentoring
● life skills development ● individual development
goals
GRADUATE RESOURCES
● college counseling● pre-employment trng
● pre-apprenticeship trng● career counseling● ongoing supports
LEADERSHIP ● decision making● group facilitation
● program leadership roles● public speaking
● community service● advocacy
A Typical YouthBuild Program
• 30 - 200+ young people• 16 - 24 years of age• GED or High School Diploma and postsecondary
readiness• Career tracks in construction, health care and technology• 9 - 24 months long• Caring, competent staff• Meaningful community service
YouthBuild Facts
Male 71%Female 29%
African American 54%White 22%Latino 20%Adjudicated 32%On Public Assistance 45%
Parents 31%Average Age 19.6
YouthBuild Facts• 273 programs in 45 states, 105 DOL funded• Expansion into 14+ countries internationally• 10,000 young people now in YouthBuild
programs in the U.S.• 100,000 young people have built 20,000 units
of affordable housing since 1994• $980M in federal funding since 1992 (HUD
and DOL)• Eight federal agencies fund YouthBuild
programs in addition to state and local funds, private philanthropic funds, corporate funds, and other entrepreneurial and fee for service activities
Success Highlights of Graduates**
• 74.6% were working, going to school and/or in job training
(2004)
• 76.2% were free of government supports and not
receiving food stamps, welfare payments or
unemployment benefits
• 85% had some involvement with the community
• 92% had positive attitudes
• 80% were free of negative behaviors (selling and using
drugs, misusing alcohol, etc.)
• 35 year difference between how long they expected to live
before and after participating in YouthBuild (40 years to 75
years)** Source: “Life After YouthBuild” study of 882 graduates. Brandeis and Temple Universities. 2004
Civic Engagement
• 68.1% Registered to vote• 47.9% Participated in a community
organization or did volunteer work• 46.5% Voted in one or more elections• 14.2% Engaged in a leadership role by serving
on a community council or board• 7.3% Got involved in political effort or electoral
campaign• 1.3% Ran for office
YouthBuild’s Formula for Success
• Respectful, positive, caring, collaborative relationships between adults and youth
• In a safe, supportive learning environment
• Mastering new skills, knowledge and attitudes for school, work, family and leadership
• Building tangible community assets in service to others in need
• Creating hope and opportunity for one’s future