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.
-
American Red Cross opens new donation centers in Indianapolis and Noblesville
The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this month at new donation centers in Indianapolis and Noblesville.
HandleBar Hot Lap returns to Monument Circle
Pedal Pubs took over Monument Circle Tuesday morning for the annual HandleBar Hot Lap. The event is a single-elimination tournament featuring 23 teams from downtown Indianapolis businesses.
National Guard: First members of new military police force ready for deployment
Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott on Tuesday said the first 40 National Guard personnel had completed the training, and a second group of 40 will begin their training in July.
Speedway businesses prepare for Indy 500
Businesses in the Marion County town of Speedway on Tuesday were ramping up operations as they prepared for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of fans for the Indianapolis 500.
