Who would want to be paid to gain national certification for the construction industry and earn their HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma) or GED (General Education Development) diploma? The Social Development Commission (SDC) is offering YouthBuild, a new program that allows 18 – 24 year old low-income residents of Milwaukee County to do just that. SDC was awarded a nearly $1 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor to operate YouthBuild.

Job training and proper education are a continual challenge for members of the low-income community. Without both, finding a job that pays sustainable income to support oneself or one’s family is a nearly insurmountable challenge. YouthBuild is an opportunity to change that and help fulfill the shortfall of certified workers in the construction industry.

In addition to paid training for the construction trade and enrollment in education programs, SDC will provide YouthBuild participants case management to identify any obstacles participants may have in their lives and provide additional services to eliminate the barriers. Assistance with employment placement is also guaranteed. All of these resources are provided free of charge.

Those interested in taking part must be 18 – 24 years of age, live in Milwaukee County, need their GED or HSED, and be considered low-income. Potential students must register online at cr-sdc.org in the careers services section of the programs area, and are required to attend one of the mandatory orientation sessions offered Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16 and Monday, November 27 – Thursday, November 30, 2017. All orientations are from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at SDC’s office located at 1730 W. North Avenue, Milwaukee.

The YouthBuild program is in conjunction with Ezekiel Community Development Corporation. Ezekiel will provide hands-on experience at their construction project sites.

“Witnessing the pride of students in graduating from our job training and education programs, and our ability to place them in good paying jobs, proves SDC is delivering on providing pathways from poverty to success,” says George Hinton, CEO of the Social Development Commission. “Combining training and education, and paying students to grow their skills, is powerful way to continue moving people out of poverty, and that is the mission of SDC.”

For more than 50 years, the Social Development Commission has operated as the largest Community Action Agency in Wisconsin and for Milwaukee County. SDC serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families residing in Milwaukee County. The agency provides pathways from poverty to success for thousands of individuals and families each year. For more information on SDC’s programs and services, visit cr-sdc.org. Connect with us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SDCMilwaukee and Twitter www.twitter.com/CRSDC.