YouthBuild Public Charter School Programs
The integration of academics and occupational skills training
Academics
YouthBuild PCS’ academic instruction program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain a GED (General Education Development) diploma.
Academic classes are taught in both English and Spanish, depending on the needs of the student. Academic assessments are administered at the beginning of the school year to establish baseline learning needs and are subsequently administered throughout the school year to assess academic progress and to evaluate instruction. Students with special learning needs or who need more academic support receive specialized instruction.
YouthBuild PCS has a teacher/student ratio of 15:1. The ratio for students receiving specialized instruction is approximately 5:1. English Language Learner (ELL) students participate in Spanish GED preparation classes. These students also improve their English skills by participating in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and then by reinforcing these skills on construction sites. The combination of ESL classes with English conversation at vocational placements results in dramatic improvements in students’ speaking and listening abilities.
Academics and occupational skills training are integrated at YouthBuild PCS. Lessons taught on the academic side are reinforced on the construction site, and in turn, construction and design examples are used in academic classes as well.
Personalized Learning
The YouthBuild PCS curriculum is based on the 2014 GED Standards and the CASAS assessment, with a focus on the most important skills necessary for passing the GED and being ready for college and career training.
At YouthBuild PCS, we view assessments as opportunities to communicate with students about how they are progressing toward mastery of the material; evaluations are used to determine ultimate levels of expertise. Because each student is on an individual learning path focused on meeting the content standards he or she needs to progress towards obtaining his or her GED, students receive feedback based on the Mastery Level of a standard. Students do not receive traditional grades on a grading scale.
Special Education Resources for Families and Adult Learners
For Special Education Referrals, email sped@youthbuildpcs.org
Student Support
Our program focus: Assist students with overcoming challenges that impede their ability to be successful in school and in life.
At the beginning of the school year, students complete a needs assessment and are linked to the appropriate service providers. A student support coach then closely monitors each student’s attendance and progress, conducting interventions when necessary. This program is not only instrumental in supporting the students while in school, but through our Transitional Services Program, students are able to receive services once they have exited the program.
Specific services provided through the Support Services Program include substance abuse counseling, individual/group counseling, and assistance with obtaining housing, daycare, and medical insurance.
Workforce Training
The YouthBuild PCS Workforce Training Program is comprised of vocational education, basic on-site construction training, and specialized construction training.
These offerings provide students with the opportunity to gain valuable employability skills while giving back to their community by building housing for low-income residents in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Students spend up to 40 percent of their overall time at YouthBuild PCS on a construction worksite or in vocational education classes. Through partnerships with local non-profit housing developers, YouthBuild PCS students work on an actual construction site under the supervision of skilled construction trainers.
Trainers create a “real world” working environment in order to teach and reinforce the development of soft skills such as punctuality, attendance, preparation, ability to work on a team, and efficiency in completing daily tasks—while also helping students gain hard construction and design skills. Students also have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills on the worksite by assuming various roles such as crew chief, safety monitor, and tools and equipment manager.
Training and Certification Offered at YouthBuild PCS
HBI PACT - HomeBuilders Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training
Through HBI PACT, students learn green building methods and skills needed by the residential construction workforce. Students learn a number of hard and soft skills, including building trades, safety and first aid, construction math, tools and construction materials, employability, and carpentry.
Advanced Construction and Specialized Programs
Returning students can also participate in advanced construction pre-apprenticeship, green building, and weatherization programs.
College & Career Readiness
YouthBuild PCS provides students with an opportunity to prepare for work and life beyond the academic classroom—to enhance their leadership, socio-emotional, and professional skills.
One of the goals of the school is to ensure that students have the skills to be successfully placed in the workforce and/or post-secondary education once they leave YouthBuild PCS. Our college & career readiness program is designed to prepare students for that eventuality.
YouthBuild PCS also offers services to all students who were at one time enrolled in YouthBuild. We understand that students need support while transitioning to the workforce or postsecondary educational institutions and help with navigating unforeseen obstacles that may arise. Therefore, we provide support in the areas of career development, employment placement, finding financial assistance for college, tutoring, case management, and counseling to alumni. When students enroll, we tell them, once YouthBuild - always YouthBuild. It is our goal to provide support to our students in their efforts to attain their goals.
Workforce Development Training
Workforce development training teaches students the necessary skills to successfully obtain and maintain employment. Students learn how to create cover letters and resumes, conduct job searches, and hone interview skills. Students receive additional life skills instruction on the fundamentals of financial literacy and budgeting. JRT equips students with the necessary tools to begin the creation of their professional portfolios.
In addition, students learn professional etiquette, such as how to effectively communicate with an employer and how to successfully resolve conflicts and challenges in the workplace. Students have the opportunity to research and create a growth ladder for their desired careers and are provided opportunities to job shadow and/or attend career fairs. Instructors work with students on how to polish their soft skills in the areas of attendance, punctuality, appearance, and articulation.
Post-secondary Preparation
YouthBuild PCS recognizes that earning a GED is just a step in the right direction. To enter into a career earning a living wage, students will need additional credentials. Our post-secondary programming prepares students to enroll in college, apprenticeship programs, or trade school to obtain the skills and credentials needed for success in the workforce. Topics covered include the admissions process, financial aid, college survival skills, and test preparation. All students have the opportunity to participate in events such as college fairs, college tours, or institutes that offer dual enrollment.
Want to Schedule a Meeting with the College and Career Readiness Team?
Contact: Kate Salasky
Email: info@youthbuildpcs.org
YouthBuild Alumni
Welcome YBPCS Alumni!
We hope your time outside of YouthBuild DC PCS has been fulfilling and that YBPCS has helped you on your journey to that success. If you require additional services through YBPCS, such as help finding employment, feel free to come to campus on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month in order to receive services from the Transitions department.
Documents Required for Applications:
Job Search Websites:
Alumni, Update Us On Your Employment Status:
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