EPDC’s Tomorrows Builders YouthBuild Program is a multi-faceted program that is an affiliate of YouthBuild USA. This program aims at low income 16-24 year old youth who are either high school dropouts, youth who have been expelled from high school, or youth with a demonstrated reading or math deficiency. Participants are given the opportunity to complete their high school diploma or GED while also receiving carpentry pre-apprenticeship training. This training programs developed for the youth focus on developing leadership potential, improving employability, and fostering a sense of community stewardship. Students also receive individualized and group case management opportunities and alumni services for a minimum of six months.

YouthBuild participants work not only to improve their own lives, but also to fulfill the motto of EPDC – “Rebuilding the community, one life and one neighborhood at a time”. They do this by constructing affordable housing for low income families, repairing homes in the community, cleaning up their neighborhoods and building parks and playgrounds for the residents of their community. To see pictures of YouthBuild in action, click here. The YouthBuild Participants who complete our program leave with their high school diploma or GED and are ready for employment or for beginning a college career. Our participants have gained employment through the construction trades, the service industry and in the business world. They have also gone on to both 4 year college degree programs and technical school programs. As a YouthBuild participant, our students can also earn an AmeriCorps Scholarship because of their commitment to community service in our program. If you are interested in enrolling in the Tomorrows Builders YouthBuild Program or have additional questions, please call: (618) 874-1671, ext. 100