YouthBuild USA supports YouthBuild GED programs that are transitioning to diploma-granting schools with school launch and planning assistance and training. As a high-engagement grant-making partner, YouthBuild USA is working collaboratively with programs to support launch strategies toward the creation of strong schools in the YouthBuild network. This work is being conducted as part of the National Schools Initiative (NSI), which is primarily supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The National Schools Initiative is also a part of the larger Alternative High School Initiative. This network of organizations works on the cutting edge of education reform demonstrating that a new type of small personalized school can succeed with students who are dropping out of traditional schools.
In addition, YouthBuild USA is exploring the development of a charter management organization in California that will be able to support California YouthBuild schools with academic and administrative services. This work is being funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Walter S. Johnson Foundation.
YouthBuild USA's work with GED-granting programs
As part of its school launch and development work, YouthBuild USA supports existing YouthBuild GED programs' efforts to create and implement compelling, measurable plans for diploma-granting school launches.
Programs involved in this work with YouthBuild USA receive intensive technical assistance for a minimum of two-and-a-half years in areas such as school charter development, alternative school partnership development, teacher training and professional development, and effective classroom strategies for differentiated instruction. The NSI Network gathers two or three times a year to share best practices and challenges and to participate in training workshops led by content experts on specific issues. Schools also receive up to three visits per year from their program advisor or educational coach as well as monthly phone technical assistance. Topics for trainings have included integrating technology into teaching and learning, creating positive school culture through good classroom management, building strong transitions to college, and getting to college-ready math.
| 
