Purpose:

To unleash the positive energy of unemployed young adults to rebuild their communities and their own lives with a commitment to work, education, responsibility, and family

Program:

Unemployed young people ages 18 to 24 acquire construction skills, complete their high school education, and receive leadership training and work ethics, while rehabilitating or constructing housing for low-income and homeless people in their communities. Participants spend alternate weeks on the job site and in school. The program also promotes involvement in a positive peer group and in the community

Locations:

There are 130 YouthBuild sites in 120 cities across 34 states. YouthBuild San Jose is one of 14 in California

Success Rate:

In well-run YouthBuild programs, an average of 70% of the students remain for the full length of the program, and 95% of those completing the program are placed in college or jobs averaging $7.00/hour. YouthBuild San Jose is directing our students towards college and/ or a career in the construction industry where starting pay averages $10.00/hour

Participants:

In 1998 YouthBuild programs involved 4,600 African-American,

White, Native American, Latino, and Asian young adults, roughly 70% of whom are young men and 90% of whom are from very low-income families. YouthBuild San Jose maintains a population of 20 trainees, 20% of whom are female 90% come from low or very low income families

Housing:

Since 1993, over 2000 units of low-income housing have been built or reconstructed by YouthBuild Students. YouthBuild San Jose has assisted in the construction of over 275 units, of low-income housing in the city of San Jose

Organization:

Community-based, independent organizations operate their own YouthBuild programs around the country. YouthBuild San Jose is part of the San Jose Conservation Corps, a non profit organization,  

that has assisted many young adults since 1988

Funding:

Each YouthBuild program is responsible for procuring its own funds

YouthBuild San Jose is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of San Jose, and  private donations

Costs:

The average cost per participant is about $20,000 a year, including wages and education stipends, far less than most other full time options for unemployed, uneducated young adults

History:

The first YouthBuild started in East Harlem in 1978. By the early 1990’s the program had been replicated in 11 cities. YouthBuild USA was founded in 1990 to coordinate the expanding network. YouthBuild San Jose started in May of 1998