About Us

Project B.U.I.L.D.
is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering homeless and foster youth to be responsible, productive members of their families and communities. Our mission is to make a positive impact on youths through the efforts of a dedicated mentoring team working in partnership with youth agencies, local communities, and families to educate youth in three key areas of modern life: Mentoring, Financial Literacy, and Workforce.

Project B.U.I.L.D.

Mentoring

At Project B.U.I.L.D.
we utilize a unique mentoring approach to guide youth and young adults. This program helps participants identify personal challenges or deficiencies, facilitate and lead group discussions on specific topics, develop self-awareness, and address life issues they are facing. Our mentoring approach is essential because it enables participants to self-identify areas for improvement, fostering a sustainable and holistic path towards success. By building the right mindset and confidence, this approach better prepares them to complete our Workforce Development program and thrive in adulthood.

Project B.U.I.L.D.

Financial Literacy

Our Financial Literacy
program focuses on partnering with local banks and inviting guest speakers to engage with our youth. This section includes weekly classes and one-on-one meetings to provide personalized guidance.Financial Literacy is a critical component of our program, as it prepares participants to manage their finances effectively once they secure employment. Through this program, we aim to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to budget wisely, spend responsibly, and plan for their future.

The curriculum covers:

Budgeting and financial planning.
Understanding and building credit.
Learning about stocks and investments.
Real-life scenario-based activities, such as grocery shopping and other budgeting exercises.

Project B.U.I.L.D.

Workforce Development

Our Workforce Development
Program includes comprehensive training and support to prepare youth and young adults for successful careers in the construction industry.

Training Programs:

Forklift certification
OSHA 10
CPR and First Aid
CORE ^{_{(introduction to construction)}}
Plumbing
Drywall
Carpentry

Career Readiness:

Mock interviews
Resume building
Job placement assistance
_{We also incorporate real-life situations shared by our participants, helping them create actionable plans.}

Training Programs:

Career Readiness:

Forklift certification
OSHA 10
CPR and First Aid
CORE ^{_{(introduction to construction)}}
Plumbing
Drywall
Carpentry

Mock interviews
Resume building
Job placement assistance
_{We also incorporate real-life situations shared by our participants, helping them create actionable plans.}

Importance of
Workforce Development:

Addressing the Aging Workforce:
The construction sector is experiencing a significant aging of its workforce. Between 2003 and 2020, the percentage of construction workers aged 55 and over nearly doubled, rising from 11.5% to 22.7%. This trend indicates a growing number of impending retirements, underscoring the need to cultivate a younger workforce to fill the emerging gaps.Underrepresentation of Youth:
In 2020, individuals aged 16 to 24 comprised only 9.4% of the construction workforce, compared to 11.6% across all industries. This underrepresentation highlights the necessity of engaging more young people in construction roles to ensure a balanced and sustainable workforce.Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion:
Certain demographics, such as women and opportunity youth (those aged 16-24 who are not in school or employed), are significantly underrepresented in construction. Women constitute about 11% of the construction industry overall and roughly 4% of those in construction occupations. Opportunity youth number over 5 million in the U.S., yet the average age of a new apprentice is 29, suggesting limited access for younger individuals. Targeted workforce development can help integrate these groups, promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.Mitigating Youth Unemployment:
Youth employment rates have declined over the years, with the labor force participation rate for 16- to 19-year-olds dropping from 52.0% in 2000 to 34.1% in 2011, and remaining low since. Providing training and employment opportunities in construction can help reduce youth unemployment and offer viable career paths.Building a Skilled Workforce:
The construction industry faces a significant skills gap, with projections indicating a need for an additional 152,000 workers to meet housing targets. Investing in youth workforce development ensures a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet industry demands and support economic growth. In summary, investing in workforce development for youth in construction is essential to address the aging workforce, enhance diversity, reduce unemployment, build a skilled labor pool, and promote economic mobility among young individuals.