YouthBuild Programs – Building Community, Building Lives

February 14, 2024

In Oregon, there are three organizations offering YouthBuild programs:

Each YouthBuild program offers participants the ability to earn their high school diploma or GED while learning job skills and serving their local community, though the specific programs offered at each location vary. Participants also acquire industry-recognized certifications.

The Heart of Oregon Corps YouthBuild is available to participants in Central Oregon that are interested in construction or child and youth development. In the construction track, participants will be building, repairing, and renovating homes, in addition to learning apprenticeship skills. In the Child and Youth Development program, participants will be working in childcare facilities to assist teachers and learn positive development skills and practices.

Portland YouthBuilders offers students the ability to participate in either a construction or technology vocational training program. The construction program allows students to learn all aspects of residential construction while building affordable homes for low-income families. The technology program teaches students how to code and learn the ins and outs of computer hardware and software.

The Community Services Consortium YouthBuild helps participants that have experienced barriers in their educational and employment path prepare for post-secondary success. There is an emphasis on leadership development, work ethic, community service, and the creation of social and employment networks committed to each other’s success. Participants assist community partners with a variety of construction, land restoration, and essential maintenance projects, all while getting paid!

With YouthBuild programs, participants learn to be leaders. They put in hundreds of hours of volunteer service in their community. They build affordable housing that is environmentally friendly. They learn construction skills and gain environmental expertise. YouthBuild participants gain experience in public speaking and speak about issues that affect them.

To apply, you must be 16 to 24 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident who is allowed to work in the U.S. You must have an interest in building trades, construction, or energy conservation, and meet income qualifications.

For more information, contact the organizations listed above.

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