Youthbuild Programs

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, ages 17 to 24, who do not have a high school diploma. Currently, HRDE operates the Mon Youthbuild Program, serving Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor, and Wetzel Counties.

This Youthbuild Program offers a comprehensive curriculum to prepare young adults for GED, construction, college and life.  The program offers 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. 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.  

Students enrolled in the Mon Youthbuild program receive paid training.  The program is divided into two parts, classroom and worksite, with a 50/50 split.  Students receive a $3/hr. training stipend while attending the classroom portion (part GED and part shop), and beginning wage for the worksite is currently $7/hr.  Students are eligible for Leadership, Performance and Attendance Bonuses.  Students receive a tool belt filled with hand tools, workboots and a t-shirt to be kept for their personal use upon competion of the program.  In addition, they receive OSHA training, first aid, CPR and more!  Plus $100 when they pass their GED!

HRDE/HRDF does not discriminate against any employee or student based on account of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or belief, citizenship, or disability.

If you are 17 – 24, need your GED, and interested in learning construction, check out YOUTHBUILD.

To be eligible an individual must:

• Be between 17 – 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

Students

• 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.