YouthBuild New Bedford
Overview
YouthBuild New Bedford is an educational program designed to provide 16- to 24-year-olds residents an opportunity to learn valuable occupational and life management skills. YouthBuild New Bedford uses construction training, leadership development, and academic preparation as tools to teach the values of discipline, integrity, and work.
History & Goals
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded New Bedford a YouthBuild implementation grant in October 1996. Under the leadership of The PACE, Inc., YouthBuild New Bedford opened its doors in June 1997 and graduated its first class of trainees in May 1998. YouthBuild USA is based on a nationally recognized model program, Youth in Action, founded in East Harlem, New York, in 1978. Over the past 20 years, YouthBuild programs have been developed, with support from HUD, in over 100 cities throughout the United States.
YouthBuild New Bedford’s primary goal is to point out-of-school youth in a positive direction by preparing them for the GED Test, higher education, and union apprenticeship programs. Each student’s path is based on individual aspirations and aptitudes.
Accomplishments & Future Plans
Consistent attendance:
YouthBuild New Bedford participants maintain an 80 percent yearly attendance average.
Excellent retention:
70 percent of enrollees in YouthBuild New Bedford successfully complete the ten-month program cycle.
Successful job placement:
Every graduate with at least an 85 percent yearly attendance average has obtained a quality job/career placement.
Partners & Funders
YouthBuild New Bedford is a program of PACE, Inc.
Funding for YouthBuild New Bedford is provided by the Island Foundation; United Way of Greater New Bedford; YouthBuild USA; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board.
Related Links
Contact Information
For more information on YouthBuild New Bedford, contact Ms. Gloria Williams at 508.984.3558, by e-mail at youthbuildnewbedford@yahoo.com, or by U.S. mail at PACE, INC.
