The collaboration will expand access to hands-on training, family-sustaining careers, and meaningful community impact across the U.S.
YouthBuild Global, the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement, has announced a new national partnership with Gray, a fully integrated design-builder, to connect young people in local YouthBuild programs to training and career pathways in the skilled trades.
Through this multi-year partnership, YouthBuild Global and Gray will strengthen the pipeline of talent into construction, logistics, manufacturing, and other related high-demand sectors, while also investing in local communities through service and employee engagement.
YouthBuild Global and Gray will collaborate to:
- Pilot and scale innovative training approaches, including new curricula, credentials, and training laboratories that prepare young people for careers in construction, manufacturing, building maintenance, logistics, and related fields.
- Create meaningful community service and employee engagement opportunities, bringing together Gray team members and YouthBuild program staff, YouthBuild students, and alumni through service projects, mentoring, site visits, and career exploration activities.
- Support YouthBuild students and alumni with internships and job opportunities at locations where interests and skills align.
- Expand employer engagement nationwide, strengthening connections between YouthBuild programs and industry partners that can offer work-based learning, apprenticeships, and quality jobs.
The partnership will serve hundreds of young people in YouthBuild programs across the U.S. as they learn jobs skills, earn credentials, secure employment, and prepare for lasting careers in the skilled trades. Initial partnership activities are expected to begin in shared local communities in late 2026.
YouthBuild Global unifies and partners with an expansive network of more than 340 YouthBuild programs around the world — including over 250 programs in 47 U.S. states and territories. From training, technical assistance, capacity building, and innovative program enhancements to leadership development, financial stability, and narrative change and public policy, YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement. For almost 50 years, YouthBuild programs have championed young people who are out of school and out of work as they reclaim their education, gain job skills and credentials, and become leaders in their communities.
“By combining Gray’s industry expertise with YouthBuild’s proven model, we’re working to ensure even more young people can access the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive and change their lives — helping to meet the growing workforce needs of the skilled trades,” said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. “We’re excited to partner with Gray in building pathways that open doors for young people and strengthen the overall American economy.”
Across the United States, approximately 4.3 million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither employed nor enrolled in school. Often referred to as opportunity youth, these young people are too frequently defined by potential barriers rather than their immense potential. YouthBuild programs around the world operate at the intersection of education, workforce readiness, and positive youth development, partnering with these driven young leaders as they complete high school or equivalency credentials, gain hands-on training in high-demand fields, develop skills through service, and prepare for long-term, family-sustaining careers.
YouthBuild Global continues to strengthen and scale career pathways that prepare opportunity youth for meaningful employment in high-demand sectors. Organizations or companies interested in partnering with YouthBuild Global to equip the next generation of skilled professionals can contact partnerships@youthbuild.org.
About Gray
Gray is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end solutions in construction, professional services, specialty equipment, and real estate. Since 1960, we have grown from a regional contractor to a nationally ranked leader, serving top companies in our core markets. Our comprehensive services make us a trusted partner for every phase of a project. Whether designing and building a state-of-the-art facility, fabricating custom process equipment, or implementing advanced automation, our expertise drives innovation and value at every step.
For more information on Gray, visit gray.com and follow Gray on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
