YouthBuild Lake County, Inc.

North Chicago

Brief History

In 2003, we offered our first program to 35 young people as a program run through Daisy’s Resource Center. In 2004 YouthBuild Lake County was incorporated and began offering the YouthBuild Program. That year we served 45 youth. Following YouthBuild USA’s model, we offer education, counseling, leadership, career training, and job placement for underserved youth ages 17-24. Through our 9-month program, youth earn their high school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, participate in counseling and wellness services and learn job readiness skills. In 2022, YouthBuild Lake County expanded its programming with the addition of a 12-week Pre-Apprentice Program, which allows any Illinois resident ages 18 and over a chance to begin a successful career in the construction trades. Both of our programs also teach the value of giving back to the community in which you live. Since opening our doors, we have served over 1,000 youth who have provided well over 100,000 hours of community service through their construction work and volunteering.

Mission Statement and/or Core Values

Our mission is to provide underserved young adults with the education, training, and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. At YouthBuild Lake County, we believe that every young person has the power to succeed and create a better life for themselves and their families with access to the right resources and support system. We offer free programs for underserved youth in Lake County to obtain their high school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications, develop career readiness skills, prepare to enter apprenticeships in the construction trades, and complete hands-on work experience so they can move into careers, college, or vocational schools.

Student Demographics

For our YouthBuild Program, members must be 17-24 years old and a resident of Lake County. They also need to be one of the following to be eligible for program enrollment: low-income status, youth or adult offender status, disability, incarcerated parent, migrant youth status, or in/aged out of the foster care system. For our Pre-Apprentice Program, trainees must be Illinois residents over the age of 18 with a passion for the construction trades. They also must be interested in entering a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship after graduating from the program.

Accomplishments

LCCC’s Adult Education Department serves people through multiple State and Federal Initiatives. → The following initiatives are included in our daily programming: YouthBuild (Construction, Computer Careers, and TDL), Certified Nursing Assistants Training (CNA), English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency Instruction, Project Read (tutoring services), Family Literacy (which includes free onsite childcare assistance), and AmeriCorps.

Programs Offered

Programs Offered: YouthBuild Lake County currently offers two programs: our YouthBuild Program and our Pre-Apprentice Program.

→ Our YouthBuild Program includes: Accredited high school diploma attainment, College, and career readiness training (mock interviews, resume building, FAFSA support), hands-on work experience, industry-recognized credentials and certifications, transitional assistance (career, college, or vocational school), and wrap around supportive services (mental health support, counseling, nutrition groups, childcare assistance).
→ Our Pre-Apprentice Program includes: On-site construction experience, industry-recognized credentials, and certifications (OSHA, NCCER, CPR), preparation for apprentice programs (tutoring services, financial assistance), transitional assistance (career and union apprenticeship), and wrap around supportive services (childcare assistance, transportation assistance).

Career Pathways

  • Construction 
  • Automotive 
  • HVAC 
  • Healthcare  
  • Information Technology 
  • Trade 

Success Story

Alan Buenrostro, a 2017 YouthBuild graduate, wanted to create a better future not only for himself, but for the most important person in his life–– his one-year-old son. Alan fell in love with YouthBuild’s program, and, after gaining hands-on experience at the job sites, found his passion for construction. Alan now works full time as a Journeyman Union Carpenter for Blinderman Construction, a YouthBuild employer partner, building a better future for him and his son every day.

Leadership

  • Tameka Wilson – Executive Director
  • Carlos Argueta – Senior Director of Programs
  • Jennifer Olson – Senior Director of Finance & Development

Contact Info

Address: 2303 Kemble Ave, North Chicago IL 60064

Phone: 847-473-3483

Contact Email: info@yblc.org

Website: www.yblc.org