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.

Administered by the Office of Workforce Investment's Division of Youth Services, YouthBuild serves more than 5,000 youth in approximately 175 YouthBuild programs in more than 40 states.   

Fact Sheet

Grantees

Forms

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.