YOUTHBUILD United Way of Long Island 819 Grand Boulevard Deer Park, NY 11729 (631) 940-3730	RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE

A PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED WAY OF LONG ISLAND

Purpose/Program Description: Youthbuild assists young men and women (ages 18-24) from the most challenged and economically distressed communities in Suffolk County Program participants are helped to complete their High School Equivalence Diplomas, increase their literacy and numeracy skills, have on-site construction training experiences which will result in the refurbishing of a house, obtain industry recognized credentials, be placed in employment and obtain economic self-sufficiency.

Program Impact/Outcomes: School suspensions and expulsions coupled with the high school dropout rate have become epidemic. In addition, gang violence on Long Island has skyrocketed. The spiraling housing costs are causing severe overcrowding and have created a pipeline of homelessness. A significant number of young adults are unemployed and lack vocational skills. Youthbuild addresses the school drop out crises and works towards removing barriers that are currently prohibiting these young adults from being successful. The program is a pathway to graduation from “at risk” youth struggling to make a future for themselves.

Funding: Currently the program is funded by United Way of Long Island.