YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.
Youth learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries that include health care, information technology, and hospitality. Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. Youth split their time between the vocational training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for postsecondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment. YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.
The Division of Youth Services within the Employment and Training Administration's Office of Workforce Investment at the U.S. Department of Labor administers the YouthBuild program. Each year, more than 6,000 youth participate in approximately 210 YouthBuild programs in more than 40 states.
Fact Sheet
Grantees
Forms
- Form ETA-9143 - Work Site and Annual Housing Census
- Form ETA-9179 - Quarterly Narrative Report
- Weighted Average Worksheet
- Construction Plus Field Proposal
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
WIOA DOL-Only Final Rule (YouthBuild Section 688)
Please direct questions and comments about the YouthBuild program to youth.build@dol.gov.
Join the YouthBuild Community of Practice to get updates on the YouthBuild program.