Program Helps At-Risk Youth Get Back On Track

HUD Regional Director Taylor Caswell speaks with YouthBuild trainee Phyllis about her plans after she graduates from the program.

Training Resources of America (TRA) has received a $700,000 grant to continue its YouthBuild program in Worcester. The 30-month program, which will begin in July, will provide GED training to 28 at-risk youth while incorporating a variety of rehabilitation, preventive maintenance, and landscaping projects at 900 housing units in the Worcester Housing Authority's (WHA) Great Brook Valley neighborhood.

This will be the sixth YouthBuild program that TRA will have operated in Worcester since the program began in January 1999. Since inception, TRA has provided training to more than 140 economically disadvantaged youth, while they have helped to rehabilitate/construct 10 low-income housing units in Worcester, including a new two-family home that was part of the "Project Remember" initiative honoring six fallen Worcester firefighters. In addition, TRA's partnership with WHA has improved 250 low-income housing units.

The current YouthBuild class applauds as new funding is announced to continue the successful program in Worcester.

The Worcester YouthBuild program is honored to receive HUD funding to continue its efforts in providing quality programming and community enhancement for the City of Worcester. According to Lisa Welcome, YouthBuild Worcester program manager, "I continually witness first-hand what young people can do when provided the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives. YouthBuild works because it takes a holistic approach to training and gives participants the tools to build a better future."

The grant is part of $58 million in funding nationwide, and more than $4.2 million in Massachusetts, to help thousands of low-income young people return to school and begin new careers in the homebuilding field. Visit HUD's website to learn more about the YouthBuild program.