American Youthworks

Programs: The youthbuild program is specifically designed to engage opportunity youth by blending academics, hands-on vocational training and community service; this is combined with guided connections to employment and post-secondary education and post-program support to improve retention and tracking. Youthbuild enrolls young people ages 17-24 who are disconnected from education and employment; most are low-income and face a variety of barriers to reconnecting, including homelessness, pregnancy or parenting, involvement in the criminal justice or foster care systems, mental health issues and learning disabilities. Youthbuild is a comprehensive, full-time program (m-f 8-4:30) offering a variety of vocational tracks, including construction and computer technology, combined with academics and the wrap-around support services disconnected youth need to be successful. Participants that complete youthbuild graduate with industry-recognized certificates, college credits, scholarships and a high school diploma or ged. Half of our participants enter the program needing to complete high school and the rest have graduated but are not connected to employment or post-secondary education.

texas conservation corps is a national service americorps program of american youthworks. Each year, the program engages over 100 diverse youth and college-aged young adults in critical, hands-on conservation and disaster service projects, giving participants the skills and opportunities to solve real-life community and environmental problems. This program's work can be seen in national, state and local parks and preserves as well as behind the scenes during the initial phases of disaster response and recovery. This breadth of outdoor experience and job training exposure breeds leadership and personal development for all participants. Members graduate with a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and a work and community service ethic that benefit them and their communities throughout their lives.