YouthBuild
HOW To Apply for services
After Applying you will be asked for:
- Applicant and Household Member Information
- Supplemental Questions
- Income Verification
- Service Interest Survey
Applications will not be processed until all requested information is received by CDSA.
We strive to reach our full potential; we will conduct ourselves in a productive manner.
By helping ourselves, we help our community. -CDSA YouthBuild Pledge
Our Program
YouthBuild is a national community program for disadvantaged youth funded by the Department of Labor. The CDSA YouthBuild program offers innovative learning opportunities in the areas of basic skills education, construction training, leadership development, life skills training, community service learning projects, work readiness and post-secondary education. Young people work to complete their high school education, build affordable housing for low-income families in our community and gain important job skills to prepare for the world of work.
Is YouthBuild Right For You?
Our participants must:
- Be between 16 and 24 years old
- Have registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- and be committed to making a positive change in their life!
Application Process
The application process for YouthBuild has multiple steps:
- All applicants meeting the eligibility requirements will be contacted and scheduled for educational testing.
- For those that complete testing, they will be invited to attend a group orientation session.
- All applicants who attend orientation will then schedule an individual interview with program staff.
- The most motivated applicants will then be invited to a 10-day Mental Toughness program in September.
- At the end of Mental Toughness, we will select 28 applicants and 4 alternates to participate in YouthBuild programs.
Enrollment & Duration
CDSA enrolls about 30 youth for each 9-month program cycle. Participants are divided into two groups that spend alternate weeks in the classroom and on the worksite. Youth attend each day, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.
Student Benefits
- Individualized academic remediation and training to prepare participants to obtain high school diploma
- Comprehensive construction training and industry recognized certification
- Community service learning projects
- Innovative and caring teachers, trainers and mentors
- Participation stipends
- Cash bonuses for meeting and exceeding program goals
- Student activities
- Special events
- Leadership skills development training
- Safe, productive and caring environment
Students can also earn the following certifications:
- High School Diploma
- Home Builders Institute, Pre-Apprentice Certification Training (PACT)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 hr safety
- American Heart Association, First Aid and CPR
- Enid Workforce Center Job Readiness Workshop
- Forklift Safety and Operation
- Within My Reach
- Work Readiness
Special Programs
Honors Award
The CDSA YouthBuild Honors Awards are given to outstanding program participants. All students are eligible to earn the Honors Awards and must meet the required criteria. Students do receive recognition at the end of the program and an award.
Michael A. Unruh CDSA YouthBuild Leadership Award
Named after Michael A. Unruh, the first recipient of the award, this award is given at the end of the year to an outstanding student leader. All students are eligible, and chosen by program staff. The recipient is recognized at the end of the program.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award is given to the participant that has demonstrated the most significant, positive, personal transformation while in the CDSA YouthBuild program. All students are eligible, and chosen by program staff. The recipient is recognized at the end of the program.
Joshua W. Hodge Perfect Attendance Award
The Joshua W. Hodge Perfect Attendance award recognizes the participant that has been in attendance every scheduled program day for the entire length of the day. All students are eligible, and chosen by program staff. The recipient is recognized at the end of the program.
CDSA YouthBuild is an Equal Opportunity employer/service provider. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.