The YouthBuild Program offers low-income young men and women, ages 18-24, hands-on home construction training, education and leadership skills/life skills while they work toward their GED or high school diploma. YouthBuilders acquire job skills for a future in the construction trade through rehabilitating and/or constructing affordable housing for other low-income families in the community.

Youthbuilders spend 9 to 12 months in the full-time program, dividing their time between the construction site(s) and educational classes preparing to obtain their GED and developing leadership skills/life skills. The curriculum integrates academics with life skills, building sound work habits as well as teaching decision-making and time-management skills. YouthBuilders develop career plans and prepare for job interviews. At the job site, YouthBuilders receive training from qualified construction instructors.

Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. has established 18 partnerships in the community, leveraging additional support, new experiences and networking opportunities to the YouthBuild Program. The partnerships include Akron Public Schools, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Akron Summit Community Action Inc. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp, Goodwill Industries of Akron, Henry and Laura Huth Foundation, Home Buwilders Association, Mustard Seed Development Center, Nazareth Housing Development Corp., Planning Rehabilitation in America's Communities Inc. ( P.R.A.C.), Project Learn of Summit County, The Ruhlin Company, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Summit County Department of Job and Family services, Tri-County J.O.G., University of Akron Continuing Education, Welty Building Company LTD and the YMCA.

To visit YouthBuild U.S.A. click on logo below

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