Educational Approach

Respect, Community, Responsibility, Dignity

Statistics show that students who drop out of high school are more likely to live in poverty and suffer from unemployment, poor health, substance abuse, and violence. They need and deserve a second chance to establish stable, productive adult lives. While YouthBuild PCS encourages students to pursue higher educational goals, we recognize that some may choose to enter the workforce upon graduation. We ensure that they have the skills and credentials to do so. Employers, especially construction companies, need young, energetic, qualified and educated workers, particularly those from minority groups and bilingual English-Spanish speakers.

Education helps young people with troubled histories develop respect for themselves and others, find a sense of community belonging and responsibility, and lead productive lives with dignity.  The YouthBuild experience reflects real life and promotes a sense of personal responsibility.  Students create and sign a code of conduct to foster personal responsibility, establish positive group norms, and set penalties for breaking rules.  The code of conduct is enforced by a student-elected policy council, which also provides input on school operations.

YouthBuild students receive a stipend to help meet family commitments and defray transportation costs.