THE NEXT COHORT WILL BEGIN AUGUST 17, 2026
What is YouthBuild?
- YouthBuild is a workforce development program that provides employment, education, leadership development, and training opportunities to disadvantaged and low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24, most of whom are secondary school drop outs and are either a member of a low-income family, a foster care youth, a youth who is homeless, an offender, a youth with a disability, a child of an incarcerated parent, or a migrant youth.
- In this pre-apprenticeship program, participants receive education services that may lead to either a high school diploma or its State-recognized equivalent. Further, they receive occupational skills training and are encouraged to pursue postsecondary education or additional training, including registered apprenticeship programs. YouthBuild is designed to create a skilled workforce either in the construction industry, through the rehabilitation and construction of housing for homeless and low-income individuals and families, as well as public facilities, or in other in-demand industries or occupations. The program also benefits the larger community because it provides increased access to affordable housing.
What are the purposes of the YouthBuild program?
- The overarching goal of the YouthBuild program is to provide disadvantaged and low-income youth the opportunity to obtain education and employment skills in local in-demand jobs to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, the YouthBuild program has as goals to:
- (a) Enable disadvantaged youth to obtain the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment in in-demand occupations and pursuit of postsecondary education and training opportunities;
- (b) Provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities for meaningful work and service to their communities;
- (c) Foster the development of employment and leadership skills and commitment to community development among youth in low-income communities;
- (d) Expand the supply of permanent affordable housing for homeless individuals and families, homeless youth, and low-income families by utilizing the talents of disadvantaged youth. The program seeks to increase the number of affordable and transitional housing units available to decrease the rate of homelessness in communities with YouthBuild programs; and
- (e) Improve the quality and energy efficiency of community and other non-profit and public facilities, including those that are used to serve homeless and low-income families.
View & Download Flyers Here
Melissa Zenz
YouthBuild CORE-2 Project Director
As a high-school dropout who subsequently earned a GED and who faced numerous barriers to education herself, Melissa is passionate about the mission and vision of YouthBuild. To her role as the Project Director, Melissa brings her proficiency in federal grant budgeting, compliance, and administration. Her work is highly influenced by the expertise she developed as a Certified Family Peer Specialist, in which she supported families with at-risk youth, including through applying specific skills and modalities (such as Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Triple P); teaching them how to navigate child-serving systems, advocate for themselves, access resources, and set goals; empowering them to take control of their lives; and instilling hope.
Contact Melissa: [email protected]
- YouthBuild is a workforce development program that provides employment, education, leadership development, and training opportunities to disadvantaged and low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24, most of whom are secondary school drop outs and are either a member of a low-income family, a foster care youth, a youth who is homeless, an offender, a youth with a disability, a child of an incarcerated parent, or a migrant youth.
- In this pre-apprenticeship program, participants receive education services that may lead to either a high school diploma or its State-recognized equivalent. Further, they receive occupational skills training and are encouraged to pursue postsecondary education or additional training, including registered apprenticeship programs. YouthBuild is designed to create a skilled workforce either in the construction industry, through the rehabilitation and construction of housing for homeless and low-income individuals and families, as well as public facilities, or in other in-demand industries or occupations. The program also benefits the larger community because it provides increased access to affordable housing.
Pay family-sustaining wages
Offer advancement opportunities
Empower workers
Labor Market Information
The North Carolina Department of Commerce estimates increased demand for the following professions in the 4-county region by 2030, as detailed below.
| Profession | Projected Increase by 2030 |
| Construction Managers | 18% |
| Electricians | 12% |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 12% |
| Production Workers, All Other | 9% |
| Industrial Production Managers | 7% |
Source: Labor Market Information, Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, Occupations in 4 Counties, July 2022.
Frequently asked questions about the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant administered by Land of Sky Regional Council:
Am I eligible?
These grant-funded education and training opportunities are available to a wide range of individuals who live in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, or Transylvania counties. In accordance with federal requirements, priority is given to veterans and their eligible spouses. Please contact the admissions office by clicking/tapping here on the button for the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge) to discuss your eligibility.
What if I have already started my education / training?
You might still be eligible to receive grant-funded services. Please contact the admissions office by clicking/tapping here on the button for the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge) to discuss your eligibility.
How long do the trainings take?
Training opportunities include short-term certificates and apprenticeships. Please contact the admissions office by clicking/tapping here on the button for the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge) to learn more.
What employers are involved in this program?
Our goal is to produce high-quality employment outcomes for workers who live or work in Appalachia, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. To that end, we have partnered with employers who offer jobs with family-sustaining wages/living wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. A partial list of our employer partners are listed on the bottom of this page. We frequently add new employer partners.
What is the deadline to apply?
Our education and training opportunities have multiple start dates throughout the year. Please contact the admissions office by clicking/tapping here on the button for the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge) to learn more.
How do I get started?
Click or tap the appropriate button here to learn how to apply at the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge).
What if I am interested in a program that isn't listed?
Please contact the admissions office by clicking/tapping here on the button for the community college of your choice (either AB Tech or Blue Ridge) to connect with an advisor who can let you know what financial assistance options might be available for the program that interests you.
In the News
Asheville program gives underserved youth a fresh start with free construction training
July 28, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor awards $99.3 million in grants
December 12, 2024
Thank you to our partners!
This project is funded in part (67%) by a $1,500,000 grant awarded under the YouthBuild Program from the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. The total cost of this project is $2,235,000, of which $735,000, or 33%, will be supported by non-federal sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, DOL-ETA or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit DOL.gov.
YouthBuild is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
