Mile High Youth Corps’ YouthBuild Program is based on a 41-year national model and serves young adults, ages 17-24, disconnected from school or work. The YouthBuild Construction program provides on-the-job training while meeting the state’s increasing demands for a highly-trained workforce in construction. A cohort is hired each year and enrolls in the program for a duration lasting between 6-10 months. Earning a bi-weekly stipend and an AmeriCorps education award, young people from all economic backgrounds can afford to serve their community and invest in their own personal growth.
YouthBuild participants (Corpsmembers) engage in intensive training divided between the construction service site and the classroom earning a GED or High School Equivalency diploma. Corpsmembers develop construction skills while providing a minimum of 300 hours of service to their community by serving on affordable housing projects, setting and achieving further educational goals, and engaging in leadership development, civic engagement and college and career readiness activities. Corpsmembers graduate from the program with certifications and credentials in OSHA10, First Aid, Pre-Apprentice Certificate Training (PACT), and Customer Service Equivalency Training (CSET).
A Day in the Life Of YouthBuild Construction Corpsmembers
"Before MHYC I didn't have good people skills. I wasn't ready for a job. When we first entered the service sites it made me very nervous, I've seen my people skills grow and I'm ready for my next job because of everything I learned through the YouthBuild Construction program." - Emilio, YouthBuild Construction
YouthBuild Construction FAQs
Some Corpsmembers will earn their GED in just a few months, while some will take longer—and that’s ok! Our High School Equivalency Instructor will work with Corpsmembers individually to develop a plan to complete your diploma. We’ll help you set goals, and you can work at your own pace.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides opportunities for you to be civically engaged, provide service to your community, and earn an education award to help pay for vocational training, college, or other post-secondary opportunities.
No problem! Part of the YouthBuild program includes vocational training. You will participate in construction training at the start of the program and you’ll engage in hands-on learning building affordable housing on a large-scale construction site.
Yes! And that’s just the beginning. As they say, once in YouthBuild, always in YouthBuild! After you’ve completed the program, you become a member of the MHYC Alumni community, where you can continue to access support such as resume review and job placement assistance, network with other MHYC Alumni, and, support current Corpsmembers as they start their own process of personal transformation.
Definitely! While you will earn certificates and work experience in construction or healthcare pathways, we encourage all Youthbuilders to explore a variety of career pathways to find a career that will be the best fit for you. If it’s not construction or healthcare, you’ll still have great training and experience, in addition to a high school equivalency diploma, to add to your resume that will impress future employers. Many of the skills you will learn in construction and healthcare, such as customer service skills, are transferable and will be helpful in any career field. Regardless of what pathway you choose, we’ll help you find your best fit career pathway and support you in finding a job in that pathway after you’ve completed the program.
Many of our Corpsmembers need support with finding housing, child care, mental wellness, food, transportation, and other supportive services. While we do not directly provide resources such as housing and childcare, we connect you to community resources and help you advocate for yourself and your families and help you navigate how to access all of the supportive services you might need.
