Sixteen YouthBuild programs to deepen industry-aligned career pathways in manufacturing, logistics and energy infrastructure, with the goal of furthering economic mobility for graduates.
YouthBuild Global, headquarters for the YouthBuild movement, has launched the Catalyst Pilot, a new strategic initiative to strengthen the connection between the YouthBuild model and deep, long-term economic mobility for young people. This month, YouthBuild Global convened 16 local YouthBuild programs from across the country to kick off the pilot’s first year.
The Catalyst Pilot is designed to strengthen the YouthBuild model so that YouthBuild graduates are well-positioned beyond their first entry into the workforce and are able to move into their second jobs, increase their earnings and continue building their careers over time.
Participating programs will work with YouthBuild Global — and one another — to develop and refine industry-aligned career pathways in two sectors: Manufacturing and Logistics; and Energy Infrastructure and Independence. Programs will also deepen employer partnerships, strengthen placement and retention practices, and build a stronger foundation of shared, validated data to better understand what is working for young people and employers.
YouthBuild Global selected these two existing career pathways in the existing YouthBuild model based on federal policy and investment priorities, the network’s experience delivering related training and career pathways, labor market data showing significant unmet employer demand, signs of sustained industry investment, and the potential for YouthBuild graduates to advance over time, increase their earnings and growing family-sustaining wages.
The 16 participating programs are:
- CDSA YouthBuild (OK)
- CLC, Inc. YouthBuild Fort Worth (TX)
- Compton YouthBuild (CA)
- CYDI YouthBuild (IL)
- GABTA YouthBuild (GA)
- Ogden YouthBuild (UT)
- Ohio Guidestone YouthBuild (OH)
- Operation Fresh Start YouthBuild (WI)
- Project YouthBuild (FL)
- ReSOURCE YouthBuild (VT)
- R.U.T.H. YouthBuild (CA)
- YouthBuild Brownsville (TX)
- YouthBuild Lake County (IL)
- YouthBuild Louisville (KY)
- YouthBuild Philly (PA)
- YouthBuild San Joaquin (CA)
While these 16 programs will lead the initial testing, their experiences will help inform what comes next for the broader YouthBuild network. Throughout the pilot, YouthBuild Global will identify what is working, where adjustments are needed, and which practices and tools can be shared more widely to strengthen programs across the network.
In addition, YouthBuild Global has hired Nicole Simmons as its inaugural Catalyst Pilot Coach to play a critical role in operationalizing this key initiative, working closely with all program-facing YouthBuild Global departments to support Catalyst Pilot programs across the country. Simmons joins the YouthBuild Global Network Engagement team after previously serving as a U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild Technical Assistance Coach, where she built trusted relationships with programs across the network and helped affiliates strengthen implementation of the YouthBuild model and improve outcomes. As Catalyst Pilot Coach, Simmons will provide coaching and technical assistance to pilot programs, helping them strengthen implementation, build employer partnerships, and support graduates as they advance into careers with long-term growth and stability.
Together, YouthBuild Global and its network of local programs are working to expand what’s possible for young people, partnering with them as they build brighter futures.
“The YouthBuild model has always been built on evidence-based, proven strategies that unlock opportunity for young people,” said Jesse Noonan, chief program officer at YouthBuild Global. “The Catalyst Pilot applies that same discipline to the entire length of a young person’s career journey — ensuring strong, family-sustaining outcomes beyond a young person’s first job or employer by building and sharing validated data across programs, then scaling the approaches that deliver them. We are so excited to dive into this crucial work alongside our pilot programs and under the experienced leadership of Nicole Simmons as our Catalyst Pilot Coach. We are so grateful to have her aboard.”
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 and credentials in high-demand fields, develop skills through service and prepare for long-term, family-sustaining careers.
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.
