 Career development that guides young people toward rewarding livelihoods and economic sustainability is central to YouthBuild. Each local YouthBuild program engages students in a wide range of activities, such as practical hands-on construction training that prepares young people for lifelong learning and careers. To support the career development efforts of local programs and of graduates themselves, YouthBuild USA develops and distributes resources such as grants, technical assistance, and education awards. These activities and resources are focused on linking YouthBuild students to economic opportunities in high growth employment sectors that enable graduates to take financial responsibility for themselves and their families while contributing to improving communities. YouthBuild USA’s career resources include:
Career Development Initiative (CDI) - This national initiative provides technical assistance, training, grants, and other resources to a cluster of local - programs that are seeking to strengthen career development outcomes across the YouthBuild network. The CDI demonstration programs employ YouthBuild’s Three P’s/Six A’s Strategic Framework © for career development. Participating programs function as a “learning community” to test and improve career development strategies and best practices. CDI is supported by grants from the C.S. Mott Foundation, MetLife Foundation, U.S. Department. of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
National Schools Initiative (NSI) - The NSI is designed to strengthen YouthBuild schools and to prepare students for success in college and careers in a variety of sectors, particularly high growth employment sectors. The NSI is supported by grants from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
AmeriCorps Eli Segal Education Awards - YouthBuild students each year contribute thousands of hours of service to their communities each year, making them eligible for Eli Segal Education Awards to support post-secondary education and career training.
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) - YouthBuild students who build personal savings are eligible for IDA accounts that provide financial support to help YouthBuild graduates advance their careers, go to college, and become community leaders.
NCCER and C-Tech Credentials - National partnerships with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and C-Tech provide industry-recognized certifications for employment.
Rural and Tribal Initiative - With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a cluster of rural programs is focused on connecting graduates to local community economic development activity that opens career opportunities.
Green Careers Initiative - The environmental and green industry is a sector of significant career opportunities for YouthBuild graduates. YouthBuild partners with a Massachusetts foundation and the Eagle Eye Institute to prepare graduates for green careers.
Graduate Portal - YouthBuild provides on-line resources to support graduates in exploring, planning, and entering post-secondary education and careers.
Fore more information, please contact Peter Twichell.
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