Service Area: Winnebago County
Program Description
YouthBuild Rockford provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16 to 28 while learning vocational skills in either construction or computer technology. Youth split their time between vocational training and the
classroom, where they earn their GED, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for college and other postsecondary training opportunities. YouthBuild Rockford includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment,
personal counseling services, and participation in community service and civic engagement. Most participants are also members of YouthBuild Rockford's AmeriCorps program.
YouthBuild Rockford has agreements with six trade unions that provide supplemental instruction at union apprenticeship facilities or on-site at YouthBuild and participants earn an industry-recognized credential. In addition to construction training,
YouthBuild Rockford offers a second track in computer technology training that also leads to an industry-recognized credential.
Eligibility Criteria
Disadvantaged youth 16 to 28 years of age without a high school diploma are eligible.
2007 Program Enrollment:
60
2007 Program Accomplishments
Maintained a 91% attendance rate and a 70% retention rate.
Thirty-five youth graduated from the program.
Fifteen of the 35 program graduates received their GED.
At least 33 youth increased their reading/math abilities by at least two grade levels.
Twenty-four of the 35 graduates were in a job or an educational placement at the end of the program cycle.
Program youth completed 21,881 hours of community service.
Program youth completed two housing units.
2007 Program Funding Sources & Partnerships
- Federal: HUD and DOL
- State: IDHS
- Other (Private/Public): N/A
- In-Kind (Volunteers/ Partnerships): City of Rockford, Rockford Housing Authority, Winnebago County Housing Authority, Winnebago County Criminal Justice Programs, Rock Valley College, Rockford Public Schools, CCS Construction, State
of Illinois, Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition.
2007 Cost Per Youth
(IDHS Funds Only - $73,542) = $1,225.70
(This figure represents IDHS funds only and does not accurately reflect the total program cost per youth served.)
