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.
-
Extreme heat and humidity continues through the end of the week
The extreme heat warning has been extended for another day as temperatures continue to soar into the 90s. Another hot and humid afternoon.
DNR accepting art and photo submissions for hard card licenses
Calling all artists! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting art and photo submissions to use for the hard-card licenses for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Indianapolis leaders provide public safety update ahead of Fourth Fest
Nearly 25,000 Central Indiana residents are expected to attend Fourth Fest, the city’s July Fourth celebration, in downtown Indianapolis, featuring live music, food and a fireworks show.
Cellphone ban and child protection laws take effect in Indiana
An all-day school cellphone ban and new reporting requirements for child abuse cases top the list of new state laws that take effect Wednesday.
