YouthBuild USA is working with YouthBuild programs to strengthen students' academic and navigation skills so that they are prepared to enter and complete college. YouthBuild USA believes that some form of a postsecondary credential is an important stepping stone for a successful career, and that all YouthBuild students should be prepared to access a postsecondary credential towards creating a sustainable livelihood. As part of this work, YouthBuild USA is engaged in YouthBuild programs to create a comprehensive approach that will build capacity to adequately prepare and place young people in postsecondary education and provide supports toward completion. This work is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, among others.
YouthBuild USA and strengthening students' academic and college navigation skills
For low-income young people who are sometimes the first-time college aspirants in their families, getting into college is as significant as staying in and completing college. Some students who do enter college struggle with completing their credentials due to various obstacles. YouthBuild USA is committed to helping YouthBuild students overcome these obstacles by building high expectations, strengthening students' academic and college navigation skills, teaching them financial management and budgeting skills, supporting them through college with the help of mentoring, offering ongoing peer support, and providing students with an overall sense of connection to their immediate and long-term goals and vision are all necessary steps towards ensuring that YouthBuild students complete college successfully.
As part of its work to increase the numbers of YouthBuild students successfully achieving a postsecondary credential, YouthBuild USA is also working to ensure that YouthBuild programs that are AmeriCorps National Direct sites are maximizing the number of AmeriCorps Education awards earned by their students. Programs receive assistance in building effective strategic partnerships with a range of different colleges so that YouthBuild students are able to enter and succeed in college. This assistance includes staff training, along with print and Web resources on implementing a strong college transition component, follow-up support services for students, and guidance in creating policy platforms regarding low-income students' access to and success in college.
YouthBuild USA provides resources and opportunities for students to go to college, start a business, and buy a first home through many awards and scholarships. For more information, go to Resources for YouthBuild Graduates.
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