YouthBuild Program

EARN YOUR DIPLOMA AND START A CAREER WHILE GETTING PAID!

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YouthBuild Lake County isn’t like any other path to success. Our staff works with you to figure out how YouthBuild will best fit your needs and will design an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. Our program provides you the opportunity to earn your high school diploma and receive college and career readiness training.

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In The Classroom

We partner with Penn Foster, an online nationally and regionally accredited high school. You are
able to work at your own pace while you earn your high school diploma for free. Penn Foster offers courses in general education like history and math, as well as electives like automotive repair and art appreciation.

Our education staff is here to help you with what you need to earn your diploma and further your education. We have connections to local colleges and vocational schools and offer resources to help you from the application process to graduation and everything in between. You will also earn industry-recognized credentials that add to your experience and set you up for success as you start you career.

Supportive Services

We want you to be able to fully focus on your future without concern. To help you while you are attending our program, we will pay you a small stipend. In addition to the stipend, we have other resources to offer you support, including:

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling

Success is not just a diploma or a job- experience personalized support with dynamic group discussions through our partnership with Community Youth Network (CYN) Counseling.

Food, Shelter, and Transportation Assistance

Gain direct access to essential services through our network of community partners throughout Lake County. Additionally, if getting to YBLC is a problem, we can provide you with bus or Uber cards to make sure you can get here for programming.

Childcare Assistance

At YBLC, we understand the importance of knowing your child is safe while you pursue your educational and vocational goals. We partner with local childcare centers and will assist you with all the necessary paperwork, ensuring you have the support you need.

Legal Aid

YBLC recognizes that everyone has a unique past. If you find yourself needing legal support, our staff will discuss your situation with you and help connect you with legal aid through our network of partners.

Financial Management Assistance

YBLC staff will assist in setting up a bank account to ensure you have a starting point for financial success. YBLC staff also leads budgeting classes to ensure that the money you earn during your program and at your job is managed wisely.

Outside The Classroom

As a YouthBuild member, you are also a part of AmeriCorps, a nationwide network of volunteers who work together to serve their communities. YouthBuild AmeriCorps members learn valuable construction skills and work to give back by rehabbing homes in the community.

As part of our program requirements, you will work to complete 450 AmeriCorps service hours. Completing 450 service hours also gives you the opportunity to earn a $1678 education award that can be used to help pay for college tuition. There are several ways you can earn service hours, including:

Working hands-on at one of our construction sites
Participating in Service Projects
Volunteering at community events

Career Pathways

You will gain the skills necessary for a career by participating in mock interviews, resume workshops, job fairs, and more. As part of our program, you will complete an internship or work experience with one of our local business partners. We offer career pathways in:

HVAC

Transportation

Healthcare

Information Technology

Automotive

Alumni Success

Once you are a member of YouthBuild, you are a member for life. Our staff works to build partnerships with community organizations, employers, and workforce development organizations to ensure you always have access to job opportunities. We want you to continue to use us as a resource and we pledge to offer you follow up support and guidance in your career, education, and life.

Alumni Testimonials

"I can’t even put into words how much YouthBuild has changed my perspective. YouthBuild gave me a sense of hope of having a future I would be happy and proud to have"

"I wish I would have done this sooner. If anyone is hesitant to join, they should do it. Your future self will thank you because you are setting yourself up for success."

"I don’t know where I would be right now without YouthBuild. The staff always pushed me to do better every day and have been so supportive and encouraging."

Leadership Development

We encourage civic engagement through leadership. You will have the opportunity to run for Youth Policy Council, which allows you to work side-by-side with our Board of Directors to advocate for your peers and be a leader within the program. In addition to YPC, you will have the chance to participate in several leadership opportunities.