Eastern Florida’s YouthBuild Program Earns Federal Grant

By  //  September 18, 2014

funded by the U.S. Department of Labor

ABOVE VIDEO: Space Coast YouthBuild at Eastern Florida State College is a free, federally-funded adult education and leadership development program that gives at-risk young people the opportunity to further their education and earn a GED.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Eastern Florida State College has been awarded a new federal grant for its successful Space Coast YouthBuild program that helps high school dropouts earn their GED and prepare for college.

Students earn at least minimum wage for a maximum of 15 hours a week for their construction efforts. They can also earn reward incentives such as gift cards for reaching key milestones. After construction is complete, students can participate in the home dedication ceremony in which the keys to the home they built are presented to the new homeowner. (Eastern Florida image)
Students earn at least minimum wage for a maximum of 15 hours a week for their construction efforts. They can also earn reward incentives such as gift cards for reaching key milestones. After construction is complete, students can participate in the home dedication ceremony in which the keys to the home they built are presented to the new homeowner. (Eastern Florida image)

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Labor which has provided nearly $961,000. The balance of the program’s $1.2 million budget for the next three years comes from the value of construction materials used in the homes that students help build for Habitat for Humanity.

The federal grant is the fourth the program has received and will serve 64 students. Program enrollment is now underway. Since 2007, YouthBuild has helped 172 at-risk youth in Brevard County earn a GED and develop skills that can help them establish a career.

Students divide their time between taking classes at Eastern Florida and working for Habitat for Humanity.

EFSC Accepting Applications For Space Coast YouthBuildRelated Story:
EFSC Accepting Applications For Space Coast YouthBuild

At the college, they study under the guidance of teachers who provide one-on-one attention. On the worksite, the receive pay while building homes for local families and learning workplace skills.

Historically, about 70 percent of the students earn their GED or an industry-recognized certificate. About 50 percent of GED recipients enroll in college.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM