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Program:
Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., YouthBuild Rockford
Service Area:
Winnebago County
Program Description
Youth split their time between the construction site and the classroom, where they earn their GED or high school diploma, depending on their entry level. Leadership skills are incorporated into the classroom curriculum, enabling the youth to grow into
community leaders and prepare for college and other postsecondary training opportunities. On the job site, the youth learn constructions skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own
neighborhoods.
The program includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, personal counseling services, and participation in community service and civic engagement. 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 sites 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 24 years of age in need of a high school diploma, or who have significant educational deficits are eligible for the YouthBuild Rockford program.
Program Components
Education - Classroom work
Classroom Work consists of ABE skills readiness and GED preparation depending on the level of the youth. In addition, leadership development and conflict and anger management are part of the curriculum. Job-related skills include job development;
construction skills course work based on the NCCER nationally recognized curriculum, and 10 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training.
Vocational - On-Site Work
Each team completes at least one unit of low-income housing. During the construction of this new home (using green building techniques), students learn rough frame carpentry, insulation, drywall, siding, and trim carpentry. Other construction skills
gained include blueprint reading, scheduling of project timeframes, and ordering materials. Through job shadowing and internships with local contractors, students also get experience in concrete framework and masonry, electrical work, roofing,
landscaping, plumbing, and HVAC. Computer students help rebuild and refurbish computers for local schools, while earning an industry credential.
2008 Program Funding Sources & Partnerships
(All non-state funding amounts were self reported)
- Federal
-
| Source |
Amount |
| DOL |
$66,561 |
| WIA |
$63,304 |
| Americorps |
$174,942 |
| HUD |
$724,643 |
- State
-
| Source |
Amount |
| IDHS |
$73,542 |
- Local
-
| Source |
Amount |
| Local |
$121,773 |
- In-Kind (Volunteers/ Partnerships):
-
| Source |
Amount |
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. |
$7,254 |
2008 Program Statistics
| Statistic |
Amount |
| Enrolled - YouthBuild Program |
64 |
Demographic Information - Enrolled Participants
| Demographic |
Participants |
| Gender |
| Males |
36 |
| Females |
28 |
| Race/Ethnicity |
| AA |
42 |
| Hispanic |
3 |
| Asian American |
0 |
| White |
19 |
| OTHER |
| Average Age |
20 |
| Homeless Youth |
2 |
| Adjudicated Youth |
46 |
| Number of Youth with GED/Diploma |
0 |
2008 Outcomes
| Outcome |
Amount |
| Other |
| Youth Successfully Completing YouthBuild Program |
47 or 73 % |
| Youth terminating program |
17 or 27 % |
| Youth Registered to Vote |
100% |
| Homeless Youth Domiciled |
100% |
| Employment At Program Completion |
| # becoming gainfully employed |
29 or 62 % |
| Average hourly wage |
$9.50 |
| # employed at 6 months |
29 or 100 % |
| Education At Program Completion |
| Completed youth receiving diploma/GED |
18 or 38.3 % |
| # enrolled in full-time post-secondary education |
3 or 16 % |
| # in post-secondary education in 6 months |
2 or 4 % |
| Housing Units |
| Housing units built |
3 |
| Housing units remodeled |
0 |
| Recidivism |
| Adjudicated Youth Recidivism Rate |
4 or 8 % |
