YOUTHBUILD Chico is intended for young men and women between the ages of 16 and 24, most of who have not completed high school or have dropped out or at risk of dropping out. Most of our participants come from low-income families. Most of our students are unemployed and lack skills necessary to find employment. Many have had experience with foster care, juvenile justice, social services, and homel
essness. Before participants are enrolled at YouthBuild, they will be required to complete the Mental Toughness process. During this time, participants/probees will attend YouthBuild Chico each day, they will be asked to wear a plain white t-shirt, tennis shoes, jeans and a belt. 100% participation in all activities and challenges, including physical training, is expected from all probees. At the completion of the Mental Toughness process probees will be interviewed and the committee will make a decision on your continued participation in the program. YouthBuild Chico participants will learn hands on construction skills by helping to renovate and/or build low-income housing in Butte County in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. They will also have the opportunity to receive certifications in forklift operation, OSHA, first aid, MC3 training and/or NCCER. Our partner school is John Muir Charter School participants enjoy the opportunity to control their own education and the ability to earn credits at their own pace. John Muir offer a variety of methods for our participants to clear their graduation requirements including direct instruction classes, independent credit recovery packets, independent self guided projects, and the GED as a means to earn their high school diploma. It is important for young adults to have experiences that allow them to learn how to develop and use leadership skills. Participants will have many opportunities to take on leadership roles both in the classroom and at the construction site. You will be encouraged to take a role in bringing about positive changes in your neighborhoods, communities, and in the program. Participant’s skills will be assessed on an individual basis they will establish personal goals in education and employment. They will learn how to apply new skills they learn toward their job goals. This process will enable the participants to secure employment because of the enhanced communication and job skills taught; including managing conflict, self-esteem building, job retention skills, job responsibilities, job search, basic math and reading, and keyboarding.
