YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School’s mission is to empower young adults to develop skills and connect to opportunities in an environment of love, support, and respect for their whole person. They are the largest single-site YouthBuild program in the country, enrolling approximately 220 students every August. All students participate in intensive instruction in academics and workforce development, resulting in a high school diploma and industry-recognized vocational certification(s).
Students develop leadership skills by working with peers and community organizations to create, lead. and participate in community service projects around the city of Philadelphia. After graduation, participants stay connected as they begin their postsecondary journeys to college, career, and leadership development. Throughout the entire program model, young people are supported by peers, student success managers, a network of staff members, and a direct mentor committed to their personal and professional growth. Incoming students have extensive on-site exploration opportunities to select one of four primary vocation tracks: Building Trades, Business Administration Scholars, Child Development Associate, and Health Care.
All training tracks focus on building transferrable professional skills and habits that will lead to success in postsecondary education and employment. In the 2020-21 program year, the school is shifting its staffing model so that a dedicated staff member will follow each student through both years of the program, providing a continuous array of personalized supports and guidance for overcoming life barriers, college/career planning, navigating through social service systems, and supporting employment placement and advancement.