Age range

Website: www.youngdetroitbuilders.org

Mission/Goals: The mission of YouthBuild USA is to unleash the intelligence and positive energy of low-income youth to rebuild their communities and their lives.

Sources: www.youthbuild.org; www.guidestar.org

Type of Evaluation: Outcomes Monitoring

Objective: To improve the services offered by YouthBuild.

Impact/Outcome Findings: Key findings from the interviews revealed that YouthBuild engages an extremely disadvantaged group; that graduates are highly positive about their program experiences; YouthBuild sets high expectations; YouthBuild creates a family-like environment; YouthBuild has caring, skilled, and respectful staff; participants value "tangible results" of construction work; and graduates need more programming after completion of primary YouthBuild programs. Key findings from the surveys reveal that: 75% of graduates are currently in postsecondary education or in jobs averaging $10/hr; 70% are registered to vote and nearly half have voted; 60% said YouthBuild was an "excellent" program; 91% gave positive evaluations of the program; 73% had received some help from the program since graduating; 60% said they would like additional post-program support in jobs/careers and education/training; 92% reported positively on measures of self-perception; 76% are not receiving government support (food stamps, welfare or unemployment benefits); 85% are involved in at least one community activity; and 80% report no negative behaviors (selling marijuana or hard drugs, convicted of felony or spent time in prison).