Since 1995, HRDE has administered Youthbuild Programs in north-central West Virginia via funding through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Youthbuild Program serves out-of-school, at-risk youth, age 18 to 24, who do not have a high school diploma. Currently, HRDE operates the Mon Youthbuild Program, serving Monongalia, Marion, Taylor, and Preston Counties.
This Youthbuild Program offers a comprehensive curriculum to prepare young adults for GED, leadership skills, vocational training, and on-the-job pre-apprenticeship training in the construction industry. The classroom training segments, consisting of GED and Residential Building Technology, are located in the lower level of Eastview Unity Apartments in Fairmont and at Stanley Technical Institute in Clarksburg. The actual hands-on training is a result of collaborative efforts with local agencies, such as Morgantown Housing Authority, Monongalia Habitat for Humanity, North Central West Virginia Community Action, Harrison County Habitat for Humanity, and Marion County Habitat for Humanity. Other collaborators are Tri-State Leadership Academy and West Virginia University.
HRDE was recently informed, by HUD, that Mon Youthbuild was awarded a $400,000 grant to continue Youthbuild activities. HRDE's grant was one of 102 grant awards out of 400 proposals submitted nationwide to HUD.
Since 1995 when HRDE received two $90,000 Youthbuild Planning Grants, HRDE has applied for and received approximately $2,260,000 in HUD Implementation Grants. Youthbuild Program students, with guidance from Instructors and staff, continue to rehabilitate apartments and construct new housing for low-income persons throughout north-central West Virginia, as well as earning their GED.
If you are 18 – 24, need your GED, and interested in learning construction, check out YOUTHBUILD.
To be eligible an individual must:
- Be between 18 – 24 years of age
- Meet income restrictions
- Be without a high school diploma or GED
- Meet reading and math ABLE score levels
- Be interested in learning construction
- Be serious and committed
- Earn money while renovating homes
- Receive technical education in construction trades
- Work toward obtaining your GED
- Learn leadership skills and become a leader in your community
- Receive assistance in obtaining jobs or in continuing education
Improve yourself and your community, check out YOUTHBUILD today.