YouthBuild Lake County / Success stories
Jose
From participant to Communications Coordinator.
Jose had finished high school but was looking for stability and direction. A former staff member introduced him to YouthBuild Lake County, and he decided to apply.
At YBLC, Jose served on the Youth Policy Council, advocated for his peers, and represented participants on the Board of Directors. Those experiences helped him develop leadership skills and a stronger sense of accountability.
“YouthBuild taught me how to be motivated and stay motivated. They taught me how to hold myself accountable and taught me a sense of professionalism and how to be prepared for the real world.”
Jose
He earned OSHA 10, Flagger, and YRGE construction credentials, then explored another interest through a paid internship at WKRS 1220 AM. The radio station hired him as a part-time audio engineer after the internship, and he enrolled at the College of Lake County to study Digital Media and Design.
Returning to support the next generation
Jose later returned to YouthBuild Lake County as Communications Coordinator. He brings both his digital media experience and his perspective as a graduate to the organization that helped him find direction.
The participant who once sought stability is now part of the team sharing YouthBuild’s work and helping others discover its opportunities.
“If anyone is hesitant to join, they should do it. Your future self will thank you because you are setting yourself up for success.”
Jose
The Bigger Picture
Education opens possibilities.
Opportunity helps them grow.
Every young adult deserves a way forward. For some, that starts with a diploma. For others, it means gaining experience, continuing their education, and finding people who help them take the next step.
Young adults in Lake County, Illinois
1in 8
were estimated to be neither
in school nor employed
Ages 16 to 24. The county’s 2024 study estimated 11,684 young adults, or 12.07%, as of December 2022.
A diploma can open more doors.
U.S. median weekly earnings by education, 2025
Full-time wage and salary workers age 25 and older. National earnings patterns are not a guarantee of individual pay.
Sources: Lake County youth-disconnection study, June 2024 (2022 estimate); BLS Education Pays, 2025. BLS annual earnings figures use 11 months of data; October was not collected.
Help the next story begin.
Jose’s journey shows what opportunity can make possible. Your support helps more young adults build a foundation through education, career training, and real work experience at YouthBuild Lake County.
