YouthBuild Program
Program Overview
Since its founding in 1995, YouthBuild has helped young people complete their education and prepare for a successful future. Through a combination of academic support, vocational training, career counseling, and long-term guidance, programming is designed to equip students with the tools they need to thrive. Rooted in strong, relationship-based support and a commitment to equity, YouthBuild strives to meet students where they are, and provide individualized support to ensure success for all who enroll.
In the YouthBuild program, students divide their time between academics and job training to earn their high school diploma or GED while preparing for a future career. The program runs year-round with rolling admissions, and students attend full-time, five days a week.
Who is YouthBuild for?
Want to learn more? Contact us today!
Are you ready?
- Finish your high school diploma or GED in 6-9 months
- Earn up to $520 a month while you learn
- Job training and industry-recognized certifications in construction
- Personalized career support
- Enrollment every 2 months
- Meets weekdays from 8am-3pm
- Completely free!
Finish High School
As both an accredited high school and a GED test center for enrolled students, YouthBuild provides pathways for students to complete their education based on their individual needs and goals.
Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized academic support, ensuring that each person receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed. This supportive and safe community fosters a sense of belonging, allowing students to tackle the challenges of learning with confidence and encouragement. Whether students are pursuing their high school diploma or preparing for the GED, YouthBuild is dedicated to providing the resources and support to help them succeed.
Vocational Training
Youthbuild students receive job readiness training through either the construction pathway. Each program is designed to develop the hard and soft skills required in these growing industries, while providing transferable job skill that will support them in whatever career they pursue, while also providing .
YouthBuild offers two separate vocational training programs, construction. Students select their job training pathway when they enroll, and stay on that training track throughout their time at PYB.
Counseling And Leadership Development
A key component that makes YouthBuild work is the personalized support and deep investment that we make into each and every student. We know that many of our students struggled at their previous schools due to issues in their personal lives. PYB counselors and case management teams work together with students to identify barriers, create an action plan, and provide the resources and support necessary to help lift some of these burdens. All students receive a monthly stipend and may request emergency financial support as needed, all so they can focus on their future.
Ample opportunities for leadership within and outside of the YouthBuild program help students increase their confidence and work ethic, all while preparing them for careers or college. All YouthBuild students are AmeriCorps members and may earn a financial award for education after wrapping up their service to the community.
Career Development
While YouthBuild students take vocational training courses in construction, our career development staff helps them translate what they’ve learned into a great job once they graduate. All YouthBuild students take in-depth career classes throughout their time at PYB where they learn how to prepare for the world of work and research their careers.
Every YouthBuild student has an assigned career coach who helps the student find the right job placement at the right time, whether that’s a part-time job to supplement their income during school, a college or certificate program to advance their training, or a full-time job after PYB to launch their career.
Long Term Support
Our relationship with a student doesn’t end after they graduate. In fact, PYB is committed to serving our YouthBuild students over the long haul, even after they’ve left our full-time program.
Staff stay in touch with our students for a minimum of one year after graduation, oftentimes for much longer. We continue to help our alumni find work and stay in their jobs, succeed in college, and stay on the right path so they can complete their long-term goals.
Become a Student
To get started with Portland YouthBuilders or learn more, contact our admissions team at 503-286-9350 or apply@pybpdx.org.
Bill’s Story
After growing up in a rough neighborhood, the loss of a childhood friend made Bill feel like he needed a fresh start. With the help of a family member he tried a few different times to get his life back but still found himself lacking motivation until one day…
Amber’s Story
Amber joined us as a single mother of two determined to create a better life for herself and her children. The fact is that our rigorous performance and attendance standards are challenging for all students, and particularly difficult for those…
Matt’s Story
Matt knew he wanted to work in the construction industry, he just didn’t know the best way to go about getting his foot in the door. By the time Matt had walked in our doors he had already spent quite a bit of his hard-earned money on a different training program and…
Bill’s Story
After growing up in a rough neighborhood, the loss of a childhood friend made Bill feel like he needed a fresh start. With the help of a family member he tried a few different times to get his life back but still found himself lacking motivation until one day…
Amber’s Story
Amber joined us as a single mother of two determined to create a better life for herself and her children. The fact is that our rigorous performance and attendance standards are challenging for all students, and particularly difficult for those…
YouthBuild FAQ
What if I need help with the application process?
That’s what we’re here for! If you need help gathering the required application information, getting access to a computer, arranging childcare, or navigating any other potential barriers to enrollment, just let us know at any step of the application process. We’ll do our best to work out a solution with you. We’re here to help!
How much does the YouthBuild program cost?
YouthBuild is totally free! In fact, we’ll even provide you with a stipend each month so that you can worry less about your bills and focus more on your future. YouthBuild students earn up to $520 per month for worksite training.
My family (or case worker, parole officer, etc.) wants more information about PYB. What should I tell them?
We’re happy to explain the program to anyone in your circle of support. You can pass along their information or direct them to contact us at 503-286-9350 or appy@pybpdx.org.
Can I hear from someone who’s been through your program?
Many young people have earned their GED or high school diploma, received job training, and started a great career with our help. We encourage you to read through some of our student stories.
When can I start the YouthBuild program?
We start a new cohort of students every two months. Reach out early to start the enrollment process!
Is YouthBuild a good program for getting your GED?
Yes! Students in our YouthBuild program work on getting a GED or high school diploma while also receiving job training in construction or technology. Our teachers are very familiar with the GED test and know how to prepare students for success.
How long does it take to finish YouthBuild?
That depends on your needs and goals. YouthBuild students attend our program five days a week, Monday through Friday. Some students are able to graduate in just a few months, and others stay up to a full year.
What if I just want to know how to get my GED, and I don’t need everything else?
All YouthBuild students receive our full array of services. We can recommend other programs if you are just interested in getting a GED or high school diploma without job training.
Contact Us
To get started with Portland YouthBuilders, contact our admissions team at 503-286-9350 or apply@pybpdx.org.
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