YouthBuild

Participants receive focused, structured preparation to earn their high school equivalency degree through Missouri's official pathway by preparing for the official 5-part MO HiSET exam. The program ensures students are thoroughly equipped to pass each individual testing pillar, which includes Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Math. By mastering these core academic areas, young adults gain a comprehensive educational foundation that opens the doors to higher education and immediate career opportunities.

The program actively rewards participants for their time, dedication, and daily hard work by offering a weekly stipend. This financial support is directly tied to regular attendance, active engagement, and positive participation during designated program hours. By providing this "learn and earn" incentive, the program helps ease personal financial burdens so participants can focus entirely on completing their goals and building a better future.

Participants graduate with a valuable portfolio of credentials designed to make them immediately hirable and competitive in the labor market. They earn nationally recognized credentials through the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) to build a formal professional profile for employers, alongside critical safety training like OSHA 10 and vital life-saving skills through Basic First-Aid and CPR certifications.

The curriculum bridges classroom learning with real-world, on-the-job experience through a paid Pre-Apprenticeship model where participants get physical, on-site labor experience. Students also participate in job-shadowing opportunities to observe industry professionals and understand everyday career paths firsthand. A core part of this training involves community service projects, such as partners with local programs like Meet the Need which provides hands-on licensing for Forklift operation, Welding, etc.

Support extends far beyond graduation by setting up a clear and guided pathway for college entry or steady employment. Participants receive direct guidance through College Essentials, which includes hands-on assistance completing the FAFSA and navigating the official college enrollment process. Furthermore, the program hosts workforce development workshops that focus on crucial digital literacy, professional work readiness ethics, and personal money management skills.

Recognizing that missing identification can be a massive systemic barrier to employment, the program provides direct assistance to help participants secure their essential paperwork. Staff members work closely with young adults to obtain official birth certificates and replacement Social Security cards. Additionally, they assist participants in earning a standard Driver’s License or upgrading to a Class E commercial license, which drastically expands their independence and local job opportunities.

Because personal and systemic challenges can derail education, intensive holistic support is provided across the entire 18-month timeline. Participants engage in workshops dedicated to mental health, life skills, and developing emotional intelligence, while receiving direct assistance navigating supportive services like Food Stamps and Medicaid. Dedicated case managers provide steady emotional, mental, and financial guidance during the active phase and continue tracking and supporting alumni for a full 12 months after graduation to ensure long-term success.