Who is Youthbuild rockford

YouthBuild Rockford, a program of Comprehensive Community Solutions (CCS), has been transforming lives since 1994. Sponsored by an organization that has built over 150 affordable housing units in Rockford, Illinois, since 1992, YouthBuild Rockford enrolls 30-40 trainees annually in a full-time, 9-month program. Participants earn high school diplomas, AmeriCorps education awards, construction certifications, and driver’s licenses, equipping them for meaningful careers and futures. With over 7,000 applications and more than 1,200 young people served, the program focuses on underserved youth—79% are minorities, 88% are low-income, 53% have criminal records, and 97% are high school dropouts. Remarkably, 80% of participants secure employment or post-secondary education, and 70% retain their placements for at least a year. YouthBuild Rockford participants have contributed over 450,000 hours of community service and hosted thousands of volunteers, fostering community growth. Funded by federal, state, and local sources, the program is a vital resource for Rockford’s youth.

WHAT DOES YOUTHBUILD ROCKFORD PROGRAMMING LOOK LIKE

YouthBuild Rockford is a full-time, two year, commitment to workforce development for 16-24 year old’s. That is three months of active recruitment, which includes our sixteen day Mental Toughness, nine months of active programming, and twelve months of follow-up. While in active programming, a young person will have the opportunity to earn: a high school diploma, OSHA 10 credential, First Aid and CPR certification, Home Builders Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training trades certification, an Eli Segal Education Award as Quarter-Time AmeriCorps members, soft skills for employment, leadership skills, networking skills, self-efficacy, resume and cover letter skills, financial literacy, trauma informed care, and a whole host of other services.

Active programming is Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 3:45pm and Friday’s 8:30am - 12:30pm.