INDIANAPOLIS — A group of young people in Indianapolis are getting a second chance at not only their education but their future careers.
"I really wanted to do better for myself and make my mom proud," De'Angelo Huggins said.
Huggins is part of this year's YouthBuild Indy program.
Participants in the 18-week program can earn up to $6,300 while also earning their high school equivalency. They get hands-on construction training with a local employer and a certification recognized nationally to land a construction job. Classes are being held at 37 Place Community Center.
"Felt like I needed to get back right and get my high school diploma or equivalency," Huggins said.
Melvontay Elliot is also taking part in the program. He had to drop out of high school after dealing with mental health issues caused by the loss of a loved one.
"I feel like it's something very needed, you know, it could push you different ways you know, it can inspire you. It's inspiring to me and I'm only three days in," Elliot said.
YouthBuild Indy is a program for 18-to-24 year-olds that are disengaged from the workforce or disconnected from education.
"Give them an opportunity to earn a home, give them opportunity to buy a car, give them the opportunity to live the life they want to live, and they'll start making choices that are consistent with maintaining that lifestyle," Rodney Francis, Chief Programs Officer with Employ Indy said.
Over the next 10 years, Francis said it's estimated there will be around 70,000 available construction jobs in our region.
"It's also profoundly important for our community, because they need to work, and we need talent in the economy, to keep the economy going," Francis said.
Recruitment for the next session of the program begins in February.
-
State lawmakers to start 2026 session early to begin redistricting talks
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston said they will be holding the first two weeks of December (1-12) as the time frame for both chambers to reconvene.
Fired IU student paper adviser claims free speech violation in federal lawsuit
A faculty adviser for Indiana University's student newspaper filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, arguing his free speech and due process rights were violated when he was fired.
Local businesses and apps step up to help Hoosiers affected by SNAP delays
From local restaurants to national apps, many companies are stepping in to help people who may not receive their SNAP benefits this month.
Hoosier veteran publishes first book at 85, about wartime experiences
At an age when many people have settled into retirement, 85-year-old Brice Tressler is just getting started on a new chapter, literally.
