News Summary
YouthBuild Phoenix is transforming the lives of young adults aged 17 to 24 by providing free educational and hands-on construction training. Through partnerships with Chicanos Por La Causa and Habitat for Humanity, participants earn their GEDs while developing essential skills in carpentry and construction. The program, now in its 11th year, has seen considerable success, with 291 graduates and significant community impact through the construction of homes. YouthBuild Phoenix emphasizes inclusivity, particularly serving marginalized youth, and continues its mission to uplift economically challenged neighborhoods.
Phoenix – YouthBuild Phoenix is empowering young adults aged 17 to 24 by providing them with educational opportunities and hands-on experience in construction, aimed at offering them a second chance at success. The program, a collaboration between Chicanos Por La Causa and Habitat for Humanity, allows participants to earn their GED while acquiring essential skills in carpentry and construction, all at no cost. The initiative aims to equip participants with industry certifications and job readiness skills, further enhancing their prospects of building stable careers and contributing positively to their communities.
The program not only focuses on education but also emphasizes real-world construction experience that benefits local neighborhoods. Participants of YouthBuild Phoenix are engaged in building homes, providing them with practical training while also helping to revitalize economically challenged areas. To date, the program has enabled participants to construct 48 homes and has seen 291 young adults graduate with 105 earning their high school diplomas. Furthermore, graduates have collectively acquired a remarkable total of 1,307 industry certifications, with training spanning various fields, including construction and customer service.
A recent open house event was held to recruit new students for the upcoming class of the program, which has been operational for 11 years and is recognized nationally for its effectiveness. It is notable that up to 80% of the participants in the last three-year cycle achieved their GEDs. The organized efforts focus on fostering inclusivity, as the program aims primarily to serve marginalized youth, especially those from low-income families and Indigenous communities.
With significant financial backing, including $844,712 from the U.S. Department of Labor, YouthBuild Phoenix has sustained its mission to uplift young adults, many of whom are at risk due to various socioeconomic challenges. This funding supports the continued operation of the program, allowing participants to not only complete their high school education but also learn trade skills that are increasingly vital in today’s economy.
The Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program is a critical aspect of the larger initiative, helping participants to obtain their high school diploma while simultaneously earning money through work-based learning. This strategy is particularly effective in motivating young adults to engage in their education and improve their job prospects. The successes reported among past participants, many of whom have transitioned successfully into post-secondary education or stable employment, highlight the program’s positive impact on at-risk youths.
YouthBuild Phoenix has demonstrated a commitment to community development through its educational objectives and hands-on programs. The emphasis on real-world skills not only equips participants for future employment but also fosters a strong sense of community involvement as they learn to contribute to housing solutions for those in need.
In addition to construction skills, the program also incorporates elements from local organizations such as Right to Skate, which works to make skateboarding accessible for youth facing financial barriers. This approach broadens the scope of community engagement for participants, reaffirming the idea that community support plays a vital role in the overall development of young adults.
As YouthBuild Phoenix continues to recruit and prepare young adults for the challenges that lie ahead, it stands as a testament to the power of education and skills training in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The dedication to fostering inclusivity and equipping participants with essential skills will undoubtedly pave the way for a promising future for the young adults involved in this dynamic program.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
YouthBuild Phoenix Program Offers Career Opportunities
Additional Resources
- ABC15: Watch students get a second chance at building a successful future
- Wikipedia: YouthBuild
- Ocala: Phoenix Rising program gives those needing a chance opportunity
- Google Search: YouthBuild
- AZ Central: YouthBuild grant helps young at risk of unemployment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WCJB: Home and auto insurance rates drop state-wide in Florida
- Google News: Phoenix Rising YouthBuild
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
