ERIC Number: ED440290
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2000-Jan
Pages: 21
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Minnesota Youthbuild Program Overview, 1999.
Minnesota State Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul.
Minnesota's Youthbuild program helps at-risk youths gain useful job skills while building safe, affordable housing in their neighborhoods and working toward their high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. In 1999, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated 751,000 dollars per year in Youthbuild funds. The program demonstrates substantial leveraging of matching funds through its coordination with local community, housing, educational, and law enforcement agencies; unions; technical schools; and court services. Youthbuild's quality and compliance with state statutes and labor laws are ensured through regular site visits by representatives of Minnesota's Department of Economic Security. Because it targets youths involved with the criminal justice system and gangs, Youthbuild is not just an excellent school-to-work transition model but also a model program for restorative justice. In 1999, Youthbuild served 399 young people who constructed or renovated 530 units of affordable housing. According to follow-up data collected over 5 years, 70 percent of Youthbuild participants eventually obtained their high school diploma or GED certificate. Participants also improved their leadership skills and self-esteem and reduced their negative attitudes and behaviors regarding school, work, and social interactions. (Case studies of 12 Youthbuild sites throughout Minnesota and a table detailing participants' characteristics and outcomes are included.) (MN)
Descriptors: Adolescents, Agency Cooperation, Building Trades, Career Education, Case Studies, Conservation (Environment), Crime Prevention, Disadvantaged Youth, Education Work Relationship, Educational Quality, Financial Support, High Risk Students, High School Equivalency Programs, High Schools, Housing, Neighborhoods, Out of School Youth, Outcomes of Education, Participant Characteristics, Program Costs, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Service Learning, Standards, State Programs, Statewide Planning, Trade and Industrial Education, Work Experience Programs, Young Adults, Youth Employment, Youth Programs
Workforce Services Branch/Office of Youth Development, Minnesota Department of Economic Security, 390 North Robert Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel: 651-296-6064; Tel: 800-456-8519 (Toll Free); Tel: 651-296-2796 (TTD/TTY).
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Minnesota State Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul.
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: General Educational Development Tests
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A