We at Chadron YouthBuild seek to join with others to help build a movement toward a more just society in which respect, love, responsibility, and cooperation are the dominate unifying values, and sufficient opportunities are available for all people in all communities to fulfill their own potential and contribute to the well being of others.

What is Chadron YouthBuild:

A Community Development Program that addresses core issures facing community, education, housing, jobs, and leadership development. Designed for men and women between the ages of 16 and 24, who do not have their high school diploma and are not attending school. YouthBuild participants make valuable contributions to the community and also participate in leadership development, education, and vocational skills. We are also an accredited member of the YouthBuild USA affiliated network.

When did Chadron YouthBuild start:

Chadron YouthBuild received its first implementation grant in December 1998 and opened the doors to Chadron YouthBuild on March 1, 1999 with 22 students. The program has continuously operated successfully since that time and has proven that the YouthBuild model can be successful in a rural setting. An additional indication of success was the receipt of program accreditation, a three-year process in 2006.

Who can be in Chadron YouthBuild:

Committed men and women between the ages of 16 to 24, who have dropped out of high school prior to attending Chadron YouthBuild, and are currently unemployed.

Once you have applied to the Chadron YouthBuild program, a YouthBuild

representative will be in contact with you about possible entry into the program

and an orientation if you meet the requirements.

Chadron YouthBuild has three sections:

Education students work towards achieving their GED.

Job training students learn construction skills by building and rehabilitating

homes in and around Chadron, Nebraska.

Leadership development students learn and discuss issues that affect their daily lives.

Students recieve individual attention from teachers while preparing for their GED test, they study reading and writing, social studies, science, and mathmatics. Besides the traditional education of math, science, and reading, students learn job related skills; professional dress, steps to an interview, and what to expect when starting a new job. Computer education is another emphasis in Chadron YouthBuild’s curriculum. Microsoft Word, Excell, and Powerpoint are a focal point in our computer education program. Along with job and computer skills, Chadron YouthBuild students learn home management skills they can utilize after they graduate, such as budgeting, cooking, and cleaning. Chadron YouthBuild helps students interested in furthering their education after graduating, by preparing them for college. Armed with this knowledge our graduates are prepared for life after school, becoming productive members of their community.

Through the construction program, students participate in building and rehabiliatating houses in the High Plains region. Rough wall framing, dry wall, instaling insulation, laying a foundation, and painting are just a few of the many consturction skills that students aquire while working on the job sites. Safty training is also a key factor in the job training program, all students must learn safty techniques before working on the actual construction sites. Students are able to achieve a Construction Skills Certificate, certified through the Home Builders Institute. But construction and safty aren’t the only things included in job training, students also gain confidence in themselves and the pride of knowing they ’ve built a home with their own hands.

Chadron YouthBuild students meet and work with the leadership counselor daily. They work on techniques that help to build their self esteem and personal growth. Students also discuss civic awarness and civic engagement. From these meetings and discussions students become involved in community service projects and learn to work as a team. Leadership Development focuses on teaching students to become a leader not just in our program, but within their own lives, workplace, and communities.