Climb CDC

The Department of Labor has administered the YouthBuild program since September 2006 through the Employment and Training Administration Office of Workforce Investment, Division of Youth Service.

YouthBuild is a community-based alternative education program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24. Youth learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.

Climb CDC also offers training tracks in Culinary and Hospitality, Conservation, and Medical Assistant fields. Youth split their time between the job site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for college and other postsecondary training opportunities. 

YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement. 

There are approximately 210 actively-funded DOL YouthBuild programs at any given time in more than 40 states, serving over 6,000 youth nationally per year.

Academic

ACADEMICS

At CLIMB CDC participants have the opportunity to achieve academic goals such as obtaining a High School Diploma or GED. We have dedicated classrooms for this purpose and skilled, invested instructors, ready to guide and teach each participant on their own skill and readiness level. 

College Field Trips

As part of our Workforce Training Curriculum, participants in our programs visit several college campuses during their 9 month program year. These visits are invaluable to their decisions in regards to post secondary education and school selection. 

Construction

Construction Program

Climb CDC’s construction program prepares participants for employment in construction related fields. YouthBuild offers participants unique opportunities to obtain certifications in NCCER, Construction, 30 hour OSHA, and First Aid. 

Training Facility

This training is facilitated through lecture and lab training. It includes hands on exposure in our construction lab and on the job sites. Participants must commit to during 4-6 community service projects that will consist of: Beautification at a military base housing, maintenance at the local facilities, helping the community with repairs around public parks and areas, and helping low income residents with housing repairs. 

Other Opportunities for Construction Participants

  • Field Trips
  • Job Placement
  • Volunteering with other programs
  • Internship with local construction trade companies

Culinary & Hospitality

Culinary & Hospitality program

In the Culinary and Hospitality program, participants will be given the opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications in the Culinary and Hospitality fields. Possible certifications include ServSafe, Manage First, Customer Service Excellence Training (CSET), Starbucks Barista Certification, and Skills, Task and Results Training (START). 

This program also provides participants the following unique opportunities

  • Interact with local chefs and industry leaders
  • Placement in externships with local restaurants, casinos, coffee shops, and cafes.
  • Participate in community service projects, local food pantries, youth organizations and schools.
  • Showcase skills through on-the-job training.

“The food preparation and serving employment sector is projected to see the biggest gain in 2018.” -MS Department of Employment Security.