GED / High School Diploma

The Franklin County YouthBuild Program offers a GED / High School curriculum that combines state-approved GED-track academic instruction. The GED-track education component of our program include classroom instruction (24 weeks, 5 days every other week, 50% of program time) for ongoing assessment and instruction in Math, Science, English, Social Studies (the core GED subject areas), job readiness, life skills, financial skills, leadership, technology, civic responsibilities, and drug education. Training includes lectures, projects, computers, field trips, and group discussions. Our GED success rate is in excess of 75% .

Our program differs from a traditional comprehensive high school in that our instruction is project-based, coordinating classroom and experiential learning with personalized support.

Our student/academic teacher ratio will generally be less than 15:1. Students will be guided to undertake Project-Based Individual
Study Projects that suit their individual learning styles and provide added opportunities for hands-on learning that link what they are learning in the academic classroom to what they are taught in vocational training. 

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Construction

A unique element of our instructional program involves our construction students in cabinetmaking and mill-working, which is typical of our project-based approach in its combination of student-led math, design, and construction skills. Plus training to earn
nationally-recognized construction industry certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and/or HBI-PACT, plus college credits under an articulation agreement with Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

The opportunity to learn fine cabinetmaking and mill-working skills, and high quality job, college, and/or apprenticeship placements.
Our Construction Training Program offers vocational training and instills valuable skills for entry into successful careers in the building trades, addressing all aspects of general construction. On the construction site, students will rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income homeownership or rental. In the classroom, they will earn industry credentials that will open the doors to high quality jobs.

Our training program’s goal is to expose, prepare, and link youth to high demand trade occupations, using a unique industry-driven program design. We aim to familiarize students with the tools and terminologies, practices and procedures, and roles and responsibilities of the construction trade, leading to industry-recognized credentials and placement opportunities within the construction field.

Our partner Messer Construction’s Registered Apprenticeship training facilities, provide on the job training sites for our students. We also tour a union apprenticeship training facility to provide information on union structure and benefits to students.

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Health Care

In addition, the program offers Healthcare certification training . We work through Ultimate Health to provide training in EKG, Phlebotomy and STNA. Upon successful completion students are then awarded a Patient Care Technician Certificate. The classes last for twelve (12) weeks.

Classes can be held online or in-person. All clinicals are done in person on Fridays. The training program provides the highest level of certification statewide. 

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Supportive Services

Youthbuild provides counselling, case management, and life skills training. They are also paid a modest stipend every two weeks. This distinguishes Youthbuild from other programs. Youthbuild aims to ensure employability, stimulate lasting attitudinal changes that will enhance their ability to succeed in this ever changing world.

Leadership and Development Services

Youthbuild seeks to capitalize on the strengths that young people bring to the program and guide them towards empowerment. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their lives, their learning and the choices that they make. Leadership is ongoing. It takes place in the classroom, at the work sites and throughout the daily operations of the program. Other aspects of our academic training program involve academic tutoring/mentoring provided by qualified in house lecturers. Students work through developing self-confidence, willingness to take responsibility, and a desire to work.

Mental Toughness

Mental Toughness is a hallmark of Youthbuild. It can be seen as the gateway to those who stay or those who leave the program. It is an extension of the screening process, where participants are observed by staff members to see their level of commitment to the program. Participants are given the opportunity to experience a part of Youthbuild and they can then make a determination if this program is a right fit for them. Issues such as personal and cultural identity , tolerance for diversity, conflict resolution and anger management are dealt with.

Follow-up and Retention Services

The Job Developer has been entrusted with the task of working with students up to year after graduating from the program. Services will be centered around on-going career development, job/ apprenticeship placement and retention and an alumni club. The aim is to help graduates work through their career options, conducting support group meetings, utilizing COWIC’s job bank, resume writing and interviewing skills and setting realistic goals.

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