"Not only did YouthBuild help me get my high school diploma, but a few other certifications that gave me some great work experience. You can never stop truly learning, making better opportunities for yourself, and adding to your own growth."

Junior

Junior had been working at a warehouse before he came to YouthBuild, but knew that wasn’t his end goal and was searching for something more in his life. “I was working all the time. I didn’t have my high school diploma and wanted to create better opportunities for myself.” He had heard of YouthBuild Lake County long before he applied and finally decided to drop everything and apply to the program. During his time here, he not only earned his high school diploma, but also earned three construction certifications: OSHA 10, YRGE, and NCCER . He also completed an internship with Habitat for Humanity ReStore. He is now pursuing a career in Information Technology, a YBLC career pathway. He is set to start classes at the College of Lake County, where he will work to obtain his IT Support Certificate and pursue a career as an IT Support Technician. “High school didn’t really teach me how to do my resume or present myself professionally. YouthBuild taught me that and how to better myself and network. You never know when you are going to have that opportunity to make a professional connection and elevate your work experience,” Junior said. “Not only did I get my high school diploma, but a few other certifications that gave me some great work experience. You can never stop truly learning, making better opportunities for yourself, and adding to your own growth.”