| YouthBuild is a unique program serving out of school youth ages 16-24 who are from low-income communities, have left school and are unemployed. It provides academic education, vocational skills training, personal counseling , positive peer support, leadership development, job placement and follow-up support. Young people spend half their time in academic programming and the other half learning skills in construction.
Participants build or rehabilitate housing for low-income families, and have produced 25 units of housing in Rockford since the program began. Since 1995, YouthBuild Rockford has seen over 5,000 youth apply, and has served more than 1,000 young people. 75% of program completers have been placed in jobs or educational programs, and youth have completed over 410,000 hours of community service.
Leadership development is a key part of the program, with classes, activities, and leadership positions within the organization providing a foundation for preparing youth to play important roles in their communities. Youth participate in the governance of the program through an elected Youth Policy Council and Community Leadership Committee; serve on local, state and national groups, including the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, the national YouthBuild Young Leaders and Alumni Council, and others. Graduates have the opportunity to serve on the agency Board of Directors.
How To Enroll
YouthBuild Rockford seeks to enroll self-motivated and responsible young people who are willing to commit to earning their GED and completing a year of service through our Americorps program.
Eligibility Requirements
Youth ages 16 to 24, who are Rockford, IL residents may enroll in our YouthBuild Program. The program consists of academics, construction, and community service. Be prepared to work hard, learn a lot, and have fun.
Applications can be dropped off/picked up anytime during business hours. To serve as a volunteer, CLICK HERE to email us for more information.
Certain documentation is required to finalize eligibility for the program. Listed below are required documents that must be provided upon request.
Required Documentation
- Current State ID or Driver’s License
- Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate
- Education verification:
This shows the last day of your attendance and whether you were dropped from enrollment (not be a transcript):
- Did you attend school anywhere in Rockford? You can obtain a drop letter from Roosevelt on 978 Haskell Ave.
- If you did not attend school in Rockford, we will ask you to sign a document stating you did not finish school and do not have a diploma or G.E.D.
- Public Aid/Year-to-Date Income Verification: Any forms of documentation showing that you are currently receiving public aid and the amount, including:
- WIC
- Food Stamps
- Medical/Link Card
- SSI
- Any other public aid receipts
- If you are not receiving public aid, please bring:
- The most recent W2 tax form you or your head of household has filed and/or
- The last six months of pay stubs, if possible, from anyone in your household who has earned income.
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