Eleven students graduated from the Worcester YouthBuild Program, operated by Training Resources of America, Inc. (TRA), Wednesday afternoon, November 4, 2015 at Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester, MA.

The graduates, ages 18 to 24, include: Nelson Cruz (19), Amymarie Cubero (20), Marcus Diaz (21), Akiana Molina (22), Joel Padilla (18), Savannah Polinski (18), Rosemarie Ramos (24), Gabriel Rodriguez (21), Sixto Silva (19), Cyrille Tekam-Tiako (21), and Melody Torres (20) all of Worcester.

Worcester YouthBuild provides comprehensive training to young people ages 16 to 24 that meet low-income guidelines, are not in school, have not received a high school diploma or High School Equivalency, and demonstrate a willingness to work hard for personal and community change.

Students receive instruction in High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) preparation, self-esteem, life, leadership and work readiness skills, community service opportunities, and construction skills training utilizing a community housing rehab or new construction project which helps create quality low-income housing in Worcester. Extensive support services include counseling/ case management, job development/ placement assistance, as well as transition to higher education and follow-up services.

In addition to attaining their High School Equivalency certificates, the young people also earn OSHA, and Home Builder’s Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (HBI-PACT) certificates.
Most of all, the program offers opportunities for personal growth and development. As graduate Gabriel Rodriguez says, “YouthBuild was different. Other programs I’ve been in didn’t provide the one-on-one attention most of us need. Through YouthBuild I obtained by High School Equivalency Diploma, started a new job, and enrolled in Clark University.”

This year, Worcester YouthBuild partnered with Main South Community Development Corporation (MSCDC) where students learned carpentry skills through the renovation of a one bedroom low-income rental unit located at 898 Main Street. They also participated in the initial demo phase of helping to reclaim a 14,000 square foot building at 1 Kilby Street which will eventually become 7- 13 apartments for veterans and low-income families. Additionally, Worcester YouthBuild continued its long-standing partnership with building materials manufacturer Saint-Gobain through the Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation and with support from the Saint-Gobain family of companies who provided financial assistance and volunteers to teach Science and Math in the YouthBuild classroom. A third partner, Worcester Roots/ Stone Soup provided community service opportunities for the students who are helping to erect an aquaponics greenhouse on the Stone Soup Community Center grounds. All three partners were recognized at the graduation for their commitment to and support of the YouthBuild Program.

According to Michael Quigley, Program Manager, “I am very proud of our YouthBuild graduates who had to overcome many challenges. Despite the obstacles, they attended the program every day and achieved personal, academic and work goals they never imagined would be possible. I am grateful to our partners Saint-Gobain Corporation, Main South CDC, and Worcester Roots/ Stone Soup for their support in providing an incredible learning experience for our students.”

Collaborating agency representatives, family and friends were on hand to congratulate the graduates as they celebrated their accomplishments and the new directions in their lives.

CONGRATULATIONS WORCESTER YOUTHBUILD CLASS OF 2015!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Theme by Danetsoft and Danang Probo Sayekti inspired by Maksimer