YouthBuild

Purpose- STEP YouthBuild works with high school dropouts (and those at high-risk of dropping out) in achieving educational success, career training in construction trades, and eventually placement in high-growth, high-demand, high-income careers, while preserving the core of the YouthBuild model, including leadership and personal development for the youth and housing development for lower-income families.

Vision- The positive energy of unemployed, young adults is unleashed to rebuild their communities and their own lives with a commitment to work, education, responsibility and family.

Program Overview- YouthBuild consists of five components for an effective program: construction, education, counseling, graduate resources, and leadership development.  STEP’s YouthBuild Program is a comprehensive, 6-8 month youth development program which engages 17-24 year-old young adults in obtaining their academic credential (adult diploma/GED or high school diploma), developing a career, earning an industry-recognized construction credential, and enhancing employability and leadership skills while learning construction.  Members serve their communities by building affordable housing, renovating for accessibility and completing service projects.  Applicants must meet criteria to be eligible for the program. 

Benchmarks of Success

• Youth enhance their skill level and earning capacity by pursuing post secondary education.
• Youth learn behaviors that will assist them in building toward and maintaining life-sustaining employment, and in continuing to contribute to the local economy.
• Youth develop a positive personal and social support network.
• Youth develop leadership skills and enhance the local community’s development by engaging in community affairs.
• Youth develop financial planning skills and building financial assets.
• The community’s housing opportunities will increase.