Introduction to YouthBuild A Comprehensive Youth and Community Development Program August 6 th, 2014 Los Angeles, California

Workshop Objectives Increase knowledge regarding the context for YouthBuild Increase knowledge of the YouthBuild model Program Standards and the Affiliated Network Assess local capacity for YouthBuild Assist organizations in planning 2 aspects of their potential YouthBuild Program Inventory resources for YouthBuild 2

Our Journey The Model Program Design and Operations Sustainability Program Planning Con’t The Affiliated Network The Context Wrap-Up 3

Introductions 4

The National Picture In 2011, 1.2 million 1 high school students did not graduate on time with their classmates In 2012, 6.7 Million 1 out-of-school, unemployed youth in the U.S. More than 3 million 2 drop out of school every year 9.3 % 3 of high school dropouts are in jail or detention Today, only 200,000 youth are served by all programs including Job Corps, YB, etc. 5

Simple Economics $755,900 is the estimated monetary value of “saving” a high risk youth $50,000 is the cost of imprisoning one person for a year $22,000 is the cost of enrolling one young person in YouthBuild for a year 6

YouthBuild History Timeline 1978 YouthBuild Begins East Harlem, NY City Replication 1990 YouthBuild USA founded to replicate model 1992 Model replicated in 20 cities through private and local funding 1994 First Year of federal funding -- HUD 2006 YouthBuild authorized in federal budget under HUD, transferred to DOL First year of federal funding under DOL Operating Sites in U.S YouthBuild International programs in 12 countries 7

Mission of YouthBuild Unleash the intelligence and positive energy of unemployed young adults to rebuild their communities and their own lives with a commitment to work, education, responsibility, and family. 8

What it is the actual purpose of YouthBuild from the community point of view? To get young people off the streets and into higher education and good careers 9

8,000 Trainees YouthBuild Trainees 10

YouthBuild Trainees 11

YouthBuild Trainees Year-Olds (19.1 Average Age) 100% low income 94% need GED or diploma 32% are court- involved 31% are parenting 45% receive public assistance 12

What is it going to take to get there? Peter Twichell 13 “For YouthBuild to work, it’s gotta be more engaging, more fun, and more caring than anything on the streets.”

YouthBuild is... Developing positive, caring relationships with adults and peers In a highly-structured, safe, supportive learning environment Mastering new skills, knowledge and attitudes In service to others in need in their community And creating hope and opportunities for their own future 14

Essential Elements  Profound respect for intelligence of youth  Youth governance  Protection from harm  Meaningful work  Patience  Teach real skills  Positive values  Firm, loving challenge to stop self destruction  Family-like support  High expectations  Inspired, adult role models  Cultural awareness  Global awareness  Path to the future  Agency commitment to social change  Fun 15

A Typical YouthBuild Program  young people  years of age  6-24 months  6-10 staff 16

A Typical YouthBuild Program 5 components EDUCATION CONSTRUCTION CASE MGMT/ COUNSELING CAREER DEVELOPMENT/ GRADUATE RESOURCES LEADERSHIP 17

Program Components EDUCATION academic skills numeracy, literacy GED preparation GED Plus vocational skills job/college readiness cultural events CONSTRUCTION supervised training employer expectations job readiness skills Vocational education pre-apprenticeship certifications green bldg GRADUATE RESOURCES college counseling pre-employment trg pre-apprenticeship trg career counseling job development job placement follow-up LEADERSHIP decision making group facilitation program leadership roles public speaking negotiating community service green leadership advocacy CM/COUNSELIN G peer counseling individual counseling group counseling case management referrals outside life skills goals 18

Key Principles Program provides long-term leadership linkages and opportunities in the community Sufficient resources A clear and well-defined structure for trainees to participate in decision- making Young People receive on- going support, training and guidance to take on leadership roles All staff play a role 19 LD objectives for every trainee

Key Principles and Practices 20  Requires real COMMITMENT  Graduate Services start at RECRUITMENT  See your graduates as ASSETS  Learn about and take advantage of NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES  Create a culture of “THE FUTURE”  PLAN FOR IT – build it into your budget and staffing plan

Yearly Timeline Group A construction/ education June Aug. 1 July Sept. 1 Construction Site secured- Partner MOU’s in place recruitment Mental Toughness orientation final selection- program enrollment Group B construction/ education May placement June GRADUATION 21 * Please note that a YouthBuild program can begin at any time and does not need to be in sync with the school calendar

The Environment for Success Structure: clear rules, clear roles, a tight schedule, measurable objectives, reliable systems, traditions Purpose: personal goals, program goals, public service, construction, spiritual transformation, advancement Authenticity: real work, real success, real consequences in discipline, honesty, compassion Intensity: lots of success, fast pace, emotions expressed, hard physical work, big issues discussed, celebrations 22

Ideal Staffing Plan 3 Managers Director Program Manager -Data Reporting Construction Manager 2 Admin Support Staff Administrative Assistant Receptionist/Bookkeeper 6 Program Staff Career/Job Developer 2 Construction Trainers Counselor 2 Teachers Participants

Desired skills and qualities of YB staff Experience working with young adults Understands process of youth development Respect for and liking of young adults Commitment to your program philosophy Willingness and ability to serve as counselor, coach and role model Flexibility, commitment and a sense of humor Positive attitude Top quality expertise and solid experience in field Screen well, pay well, and support the team 24

The YouthBuild model is flexible and can fit into a variety of different structures... Stand Alone, 501 c3 non- profit Program of a CBO such as a CDC or CAP agency Program of an educational institution such as alternative schools, community or technical college Program of a larger public agency or municipality such as a housing authority, economic office, etc. 25

Every structure has pros and cons but your choice should include... Organization understands and is committed to YouthBuild model Willing to have young people participate in organization Creates a supportive, cohesive environment for young people Has fiscal capacity to operate a YouthBuild grant Agrees to terms of YouthBuild name and copyright 26

Pros and Cons Stand Alone 501 c3 Strong program cohesion, retain integrity of design Burdensome to manage finances and housing project CBO Potential for strong integration, cohesive environment, create linkages for young people Program isolation is YB not CD; components outsourced; staff time becomes split Educational Institution Strong academic and curriculum integration; strong graduate opportunities; strong community relationships and partnerships Limited understanding of model; funding becomes dispersed; program staff lack financial control Large agencies Strong fiscal capacity; strong community partners; strong graduate opportunities Limited understanding and commitment to program model; lack of cohesion for y.p. and staff; staff time becomes split; funding becomes dispersed; program staff lack financial control 27

Flipping the Power Dynamic 28

Your Mission: convince stakeholder to come to a YB planning meeting. 1. Why is it important that this stakeholder be at the planning meeting – what role do you want them ultimately to play? 2. Identify 3 reasons why a YouthBuild program will be an asset to the stakeholder you have been assigned. 3. Determine what data you will need to support your argument. 4. Identify a likely (or unlikely) ally that can help you secure this relationship and/or strengthen your argument. 5. What role can young people play in convincing the stakeholder to come to a planning meeting? 29

Levels of Commitment Operational Partner Daily or weekly contact with program, without this group/organization the program could not function as a YouthBuild model. Often the partnership is supported by an MOA. IE: Adult education center Resource Partners Monthly or yearly contact with program, these add value to the program. If one should leave they can usually be replaced. i.e: Bank providing finance /literacy training. MOA’s are not usually involved. Recruitment Partner Organizations or groups referring possible youth Lead Agency Financial and operational responsibility Sympathizers Political or moral support, on your mailing list, donor base, invited to events 30

Assembling Partnerships to Support Program Activities 1. Review list of typical program functions and activities 2. Check off all program resources provided by the lead agency 3. Write in partner and supporting agencies that will provide additional resources 4. Identify gaps in program resources 5. Collect MOAs and letters of commitment 31

32 Funding and Sustainability

Sample YouthBuild Budget $400,000 33

Grant Deliverables What do you want to accomplish in your community? Outcomes 34

YouthBuild USA and Affiliated Network- Excellent Program Outcomes 35

YouthBuild USA Program Services Resources and Materials Website Academy Trainings Technical Assistance (limited) Fee for Service 36

Questions/ Comments 37

38 For further information, please contact us at YouthBuild USA: Anne Wright Twain Helen For Further Information….

Goodbye Have a safe trip home! 39