YouthBuild AmeriCorps Construction Program

Change Inc's YouthBuild AmeriCorps Program offers the student an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, while acquiring the skills and training that will position them for a successful career in construction. 

The YouthBuild St. Paul Westside program is a one- to two-year program that follows the national YouthBuild model where participants earn a high school diploma and acquire career skills and training. Students ages 18-24 engage in career pathway training in construction or healthcare, and students ages 15-17 are enrolled in our pre-YouthBuild program that promotes career exploration and workforce readiness. All students participate in digital literacy, receive job search assistance and job placement/retention support, and learn essential skills that give them an advantage when applying for jobs.

All students enrolled in a career pathway take a Career & College Readiness (CCR) class. Our goal is to increase awareness of high-demand, high-wage careers in the region, particularly those for which we do not currently offer training. If youth are interested in a specific career field, they have the option to advance to the Career Preparation phase, during which the CCR team facilitates job shadowing, internships, connection to external resources, and credentialing. Additionally, our CCR team engages participants in follow-up support for one year after graduating.  

GAP School is a YouthBuild USA affiliate and YouthBuild Americorps member.