Feb. 1, 2006
YouthBuild receives $700,000 federal grant
The King County Work Training Program has received a $700,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support a spring class for the YouthBuild program, King County Executive Ron Sims announced today. YouthBuild is an education assistance and practical work training project targeted to help high-risk youth in King County. The grant will support a class of 50 students.
"The YouthBuild program does not just build low-income housing, it helps to rebuild young lives," said Executive Sims. "The youth in this program have made a commitment to complete their education and learn a valuable trade, while at the same time giving something back to their community by helping to build low-income and special needs housing. We are very grateful to HUD for their continued support for this important program."
YouthBuild targets disadvantaged youth 16-24 years old, predominantly young people of color, who have dropped out of high school or are at high risk of dropping out. Many have struggled with homelessness, poverty, substance abuse and involvement with the criminal justice system. Enrollees in the program receive educational assistance to help them achieve either a high school diploma or GED (classroom instruction, computer skills training, leadership building, math/reading/writing assistance, etc.) combined with actual, on-the-job training and experience in the construction trades – all designed to help break the cycle of involvement in crime and poverty.
Participants put their construction training to use in the building or rehabilitation of homes for low-income seniors, families and special needs individuals, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and other partners. YouthBuild and the Work Training Program are part of the King County Department of Community and Human Services.
YouthBuild believes that high expectations lead to great results. Alejandro is just one of the many success stories. Alejandro entered YouthBuild after he had dropped out of high school. He struggled with English as a second language and could not find employment. While in the program, he successfully completed a three-month internship with WG Clark Construction, a long-time partner of YouthBuild. Today, Alejandro is a YouthBuild graduate with his GED. Upon completion of his internship, Alejandro was offered a full-time job with WG Clark, where he presently works, and is entering their training program to gain his credentials as a carpenter.
Over 50 youth participated in the program during the last program cycle funded by HUD and King County (1/1/04-12/31/05). During that time, two low-income housing units were constructed and one housing unit was rehabilitated, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County. In the 2004 class, all of the youth enrolled in YouthBuild had dropped out of school, more than 60 percent had been involved in the criminal justice system, and 75 percent were people of color. By the end of the program, over 80 percent of students completed the program and maintained an attendance rate of over 90 percent. Over 70 percent achieved their GED or high school diploma, 85 percent of students moved into employment, and 25 percent graduated to post secondary/higher education.
For more information on the King County YouthBuild Program or other youth programs call Melinda Giovengo, King County Work Training Program, at 206-205-6510. Interviews with youth in the program, as well as photo opportunities at YouthBuild job sites can be arranged.