9. Wages, Stipends and Incentives

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Underlying YouthBuild Values and Philosophy
  3. YouthBuild Program Design Standards
  4. 2008 YouthBuild Program Performance Standards
  5. Honors Graduates
  6. The Process for Changing the YouthBuild Model or Requirements
  7. Working Definitions of Important Terms Related to These Standards
  8. Appendix

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (pdf)

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (HTML Version)

YouthBuild Program Design Standards

9. Wages, Stipends and Incentives

Required actions

  • 9 A Young people receive wages, stipends, or living allowances for their on-site training and service, and stipends to cover food and travel during their program time.
  • 9 B A system of bonuses, raises, awards, and other recognition for good performance is systematically and consistently implemented. Effective incentives include making bonuses available every pay period for perfect attendance, and raises being given every two to four months for good performance in program and on site.
  • 9 C Students are fully informed of all financial circumstances dictated by various funding sources and program policies affecting their pay and they are warned in advance if there will be a delay for any reason. All policies regarding the docking of pay or the payment of fines are vetted with the policy committee and followed with fairness and consistency for all students.

Recommended actions

  • 9 D Income for students starts at no less than the federal minimum wage for work on the site, and $60 a week for program, or, in those cases where it has been equalized into one stipend, it starts at no less than $309* every two weeks.
  • 9 E A reasonable number of paid sick days are provided.
  • 9 F Efforts are made to get payroll-tax waivers from the IRS and state agencies, and Earned Income Tax Credits and child support payments for those who are eligible.

9D * This was calculated by taking the federal minimum wage ($5.85 at the time of publication) and multiplying it by a 40-hour workweek (=$234); then adding five days of money adequate for paying food and transportation money ($15 × 5=$75). If your state minimum wage is above the federal minimum wage, this total would increase. Note that, according to law, the state minimum wage prevails unless the federal rate is higher. Also note that the federal minimum wage will increase to $6.55 in July 208, and to $7.25 in July 209.