YouthBuild, a national program model originating in Harlem in the late 1970s, allows youth the opportunity to earn a GED and a paycheck while learning construction trades. At Mile High Youth Corps, YouthBuilders work on a Denver Housing Authority (DHA) construction site in the Five Points neighborhood. "In addition to the construction skills and GED classes, they learn job readiness and life skills, are introduced to civic engagement and have the opportunity to develop as leaders," said Eliska Champagne-Veselka, the program's coordinator.

Alternating weeks between a MHYC classroom and the low-income housing construction site, YouthBuilders learn much more than how to correctly hang drywall.

Jason Carlton, a 22-year-old YouthBuilder from the last cycle, is grateful for the fresh start he gained through the program. Carlton, who grew up in the Montbello neighborhood, dropped out of school at 18 and wanted to make some quick money. Selling drugs seemed like an easy fit.

"When you grow up in a neighborhood like that, you just know where to get the stuff," said Carlton. "I had given up on school, had bills to pay and needed to help my family."

After getting tired of "life in the fast lane," Carlton decided it was time to make a change. He asked a family friend to help him find a job and she pointed him towards MHYC. "I was excited to work with my hands and I knew I needed to get my GED."

Carlton joined YouthBuild in the fall of 2007 and has enjoyed learning the electrical trade. "I've always been interested in car mechanics and even took an AutoTech class at Emily Griffith (Opportunity School) before joining YouthBuild. It fits together."

YouthBuild is a community effort. "We are thankful to have such strong community partners who support the program with time, resources and expertise," said Brigid McRaith, MHYC's Director of Programs. MHYC has a track record of successful industry partnerships, including PCL Construction, Milender White Construction, Greiner Electric and the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado.

"I've enjoyed working with the subcontractors and learning actual skills, like how to use the power tools and how to lay concrete," said Carlton.

With those basic skills in place, Carlton looks towards the future. Short-term, he plans to pass a required math class at Emily Griffith before accepting a position offered to him by one of the site's subcontractors. "They say the class will take six weeks to complete. I plan to finish it in four." Long-term, Carlton's goals are bigger. "I dream about a job with a steady income, having people on my payroll and creating my career."

Planning to own his own auto shop or construction company one day, Carlton recognizes the foundation he is laying for himself. "All of this hard work will pay off in the end-you can't make it without sacrifices."

MHYC is hiring for the next YouthBuild session, running from June 16 through December 12, 2008. Low-income metro-area youth, ages 18-24, who want to develop job skills and earn a GED should call the Youth Jobs Hotline at (303)433-1206 (opt. 1, x333) or email youthjobs@mhyc.net.

Learn more about YouthBuild and help MHYC celebrate Spring Graduation on Friday, May 16from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library (2401 Welton St., Denver, CO 80205). Refreshments will be provided. Contact (303)433-1206 (opt. 2, x234) for more information.

Mile High Youth Corps helps urban youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. MHYC provides young adults with comprehensive services to help them develop technical job skills, prepare for the workforce and achieve their educational goals. Through paid work experience, service to the community and educational services, MHYC helps youth develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, the workforce and everyday life. For more information go to www.milehighyouthcorps.org or call 303.433.1206 (opt. 1, x324).