Youth Programming is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 18-24 who have previously dropped out of high school. The program is free.
Program
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 mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.
With Youth Programming, you’ll:
- Rehab a home and create hands-on carpentry projects
- Receive High School Diploma/High School Equivalency (HSD/HSE) academic instruction
- Receive MIOSHA, First AID, Customer Service, and MC3 Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Certification
- Receive a stipend while you train
Youth Programming is a 24-week program. Classes meet Monday to Friday from 9AM – 3PM at a location on the east side.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in Youth Programming, you must be:
- 18-24 years
- A resident of Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck
No High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in Youth Programming. All you need is a strong work ethic and an interest in learning skills that can build into a well-paying career.
To enroll in Youth Programming:
Call 313-733-1173 or send an email.
Program partners
- Detroit Economic Solutions Corporation (DESC)
- Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) – Michigan Works!
- Michigan State AFL-CIO Human Resources Development, Inc. (Michigan HRDi)
Sponsors
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Results
80% of Youth Programs students are placed into jobs.
60% attain their High School Diploma/High School Equivalency.
80% of Youth Programs students attain their pre-apprenticeship credentials.
In 2019, Youth Programs served 62 students. Those students put in 1860 hours of community service as part of their training.