ENID, OK - Community Development Support Association will host a graduation ceremony for its YouthBuild program at 6 p.m. at Stride Bank Center. Twenty-three students will be receiving their high school diplomas.
Youth ages 16-24 progress through the nine-month program at their own pace. Individualized services are at the heart of YouthBuild. Each student works with staff to develop an individualized development plan (IDP). The IDP changes over times in response to the needs of the student.
“At CDSA YouthBuild, we work to create opportunities for our youth to evolve towards their own success,” said Rachel Harris, YouthBuild Coordinator.
Students are supported to overcome barriers and have opportunities to earn more than a high school diploma. In addition to their diploma, students can leave with many more skills and certifications in their tool belt to include an OSHA-10 certification, Home Builder’s Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) in Carpentry, CPR and First Aid Certification, and Forklift Certification. Students co-enrolled in their AmeriCorps program embrace the AmeriCorps motto of “We get things done” by volunteering their time with organizations such as Our Daily Bread and YWCA’s, My Sisters Closet. In turn, they can earn an AmeriCorps scholarship of over $1,600.
Students interested in healthcare are stewarded through the Construction Plus program. Through a partnership with Autry Technology Center, students can earn their Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
“Being in YouthBuild has been a wonderful experience. At twenty-four years old, I was able to finish my high school diploma, grow in my leadership skills, earn a seat on policy council, attend the annual AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders, and help build a house,” said YouthBuild student, Alexis Ross. Alexis is currently working on her CNA certification at Autry. “You’re going to have up and downs but it’s up to you-and only you, to get through it,” she says. Students graduating from YouthBuild go on to receive follow-up services for twelve months to ensure youth have the support they need to overcome barriers they encounter.
CDSA is recruiting students for its YouthBuild Cycle 13 class. For information, call Rachel Harris at (580) 242-6131.
