YouthBuild
Young adults build and rehab houses for low-income families in Minneapolis while they pursue high school diplomas or GEDs. They receive valuable hands-on training and learn the technical skills necessary for a career in construction.
They also develop critical job skills - like leadership, teamwork and work ethic - to take with them into any profession.
2009 Program Highlights
YouthBuild served 30 young adults in 2009 - 11 of these individuals exited the program in 2009.
- Participants completed the rehabilitation of three homes and started the rehabilitation of two homes in north Minneapolis. These homes will be sold to low-income first-time homebuyers.
- 97% of participants who exited the program in 2009 earned OSHA-10 certification.
- 91% of participants who exited the program during 2009 earned a high school diploma or returned to school to complete their diploma or GED.
Check out our 2009 YouthBuild report (PDF) for more program accomplishments.
Recent News & Stories
Join a Crew
Joining YouthBuild is a great way to earn a wage while learning a trade and completing your high school education.
As a participant, you will:
- Earn $7.25/hour with opportunities for raises and bonuses
- Alternate weeks working and attending classes (work approximately 30 hours one week and attend class the following week)
To be eligible for the YouthBuild program, you must be:
- Between the ages of 17 and 24
- Committed to completing your high school diploma or GED
- From a low-income household
- Eligible to work in the US
- A resident of Hennepin County
- Interested in developing a variety of skills and engaging in physically challenging construction labor projects
Additionally, your school must agree to a modified schedule where you would attend school every other week and attend training/work with Tree Trust on the off weeks. If you attend one of the following schools, please ask your teacher about YouthBuild:
Minnesota Internship Center Charter School (MNIC)
Northside Adult Basic Education
Osseo Secondary Transition Center
Richfield Transition Plus
Robbinsdale Transition Center
If you do not attend one of the schools listed above, you can contact Stephanie Lund for more information about joining YouthBuild.
Are you a past participant?
Join us on Facebook to reconnect with other Tree Trust alumni.
Program Partners
Tree Trust thanks our 2008 partners for supporting YouthBuild.
City of Minneapolis Employment and Training Program
Hennepin County Workforce Council
Minnesota Internship Center Charter School
Minnesota Youthbuild Coalition
YouthBuild USA
Urban Homeworks
US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
YouthBuild USA
Tree Trust invites schools to take advantage of the opportunity to enroll their students in our YouthBuild program. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved academic outcomes - hands-on experiential learning helps students who struggle with traditional teaching methods
- Increased attendance - incentivized attendance requires students to attend school more often than work
To learn more about becoming a partner school, please contact Stephanie Lund.
