YCC YouthBuild of Waukegan

In October 2002, the YCC, Inc. was notified that its YouthBuild grant had been approved. YCC YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth and community development program as well as an alternative school. This year round program offers job training, education, counseling, and leadership development opportunities to unemployed and out-of-school young adults, ages 16-24. This is done in conjunction with the construction and or rehabilitation of affordable housing in Waukegan. Many graduates go on to construction-related jobs or college. The buildings that are rehabilitated or constructed during the program are usually owned and managed by community-based organizations as permanent affordable housing.

Affordable Housing

YCC YouthBuild involves young people in meaningful work in their communities; constructing or rehabilitating much-needed homes for homeless and low-income people. Projects range from rehabilitating 10-unit buildings to constructing new single-family homes. Finished buildings are rented as affordable housing or represent opportunities for low-income community residents to buy their first homes. As a result, burnt-out shells and abandoned buildings are becoming attractive homes in communities where there is a critical need for housing. Through its projects, YCC YouthBuild helps bring new life to economically stagnant neighborhoods and restoring community spirit across America.

Educational Programs

YCC YouthBuild's academic program is designed to prepare students for the high school equivalency exam, a high school diploma, postsecondary technical training, or college. Trainees alternate a week of classes with a week of on-site construction training. Geared to provide a meaningful and useful education, the curriculum integrates academic skills-reading, writing, and mathematics-with life skills, social studies, leadership opportunities, and vocational training. The classes are small, allowing instructors to provide one-on-one attention and enabling the students to feel respected and supported. A nurturing, "family-like" environment encourages students to solve problems together and see the strength in cooperation.

Job Training

YCC YouthBuild prepares young people for the working world in diverse ways. Weekly classes build sound work habits and decision-making skills and teach trainees how to manage time effectively, develop career plans, and handle job interviews. At the work site, young people receive close supervision and training in construction skills from qualified instructors who are often union journeymen. The skills they acquire qualify them for apprenticeships or entry-level positions in building maintenance, carpentry, demolition, masonry, painting, and other construction-related jobs. Paid internships offer higher levels of training. Many decide to go on to college. Most earn an AmeriCorps college scholarship through their service building housing. YCC YouthBuild offers young men and women an extraordinary opportunity to attain the education, job skills, inspiration, and financial wherewithal to take responsibility for themselves and their children, and to become community-minded, socially responsible taxpayers.

Leadership Development

YCC YouthBuild's Leadership Development Program is changing the way young people see themselves. Leadership development is woven into every aspect of YCC YouthBuild. Through YCC YouthBuild, trainees recognize their innate knowledge and abilities - traits that in many cases have been unrecognized. Under the guidance of a nurturing staff, trainees are more willing to take on responsibility, overcome obstacles, and grow as leaders. Through workshops and weekend retreats, trainees learn decision-making, group facilitation, public speaking, and negotiating skills and are given opportunities to use and fine-tune these skills as they design and participate in community improvement projects. Participants also learn to advocate for issues that concern them and their communities. They take an active role speaking out in their communities on a wide range of issues.

YCC YouthBuild will be partnering with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Waukegan, Habitat for Humanity Lake County, Central Baptist Family Services, College of Lake County, YWCA, Lake County Forest Preserves, National Association of Service and Conservation Corps and the Corporation for National and Community Service’s AmeriCorps to build three affordable homes for disadvantaged families in Waukegan. YCC YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth and community development program, as well as an alternative school.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply to participate in the YCC YouthBuild program, please contact:

Youth Conservation Corps, Inc.
221 North Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085

Phone: (847) 623-0900
Fax: (847) 623-0909
or email Toni Wheatle at tnw421@yahoo.com

Please have the following information available:
 

	Your full name.
	Complete address.
	Phone number.
	Email Address (if Applicable)
	Your birth date, including year of birth.