News & Announcements

Earlier this month, we hosted a virtual student art contest where we asked students to submit a piece of art that answered the question, "What does YouthBuild mean to you?" We posted the artwork on our Instagram and Facebook, and students, staff, and their friends and family could vote by liking the posts. Check out all 18 submissions here!

For the past several years, teachers in our English Department have worked with students in their classes to assemble a collection of their poetry and writing from the year that they publish in an anthology called "In Our Own Words." The third volume was published in July 2022, and we wanted to share some excerpts.

Is earning your high school diploma worth the time and effort? Definitely! With a diploma, you can increase your earning potential and find more job opportunities, go to college or trade school, complete an apprenticeship and get a union job, start a business, or join the military. If you had to leave high school early and are looking for a second chance to earn your diploma, YouthBuild Charter School of California can help!

November marks National Homeless Youth Awareness and National Runaway Prevention Month. Learn more about youth homelessness and the support available for homeless students at YouthBuild Charter School of California. And join us in wearing green every Friday in November!

We are excited to introduce the YouthBuild Charter School of California graduates who were selected for the 2022 Education is Forever Scholarship, Brenda Pena-Jimenez, Samuel Reynolds Jr., Shyanne Seyler, Jazmin Miranda, Rosa Nieto, and Bridget Burton. Read their bios and learn more about their college plans by clicking the link in the heading.

Our Lennox site at SBWIB YouthBuild got a fresh new look this week. In addition to their new signage (thanks to Lorenzo at Workhorse Sign Co.), students and staff are currently working on a larger campus beautification project as part of their Trimester 1 CAP (Community Action Project.) Learn more about what they've been up to, including their recent work with Tree People.

YouthBuild Charter School of California is now enrolling for the 2022-23 school year at all 15 of our school sites. Get started by filling out an enrollment interest form today. Watch the video at the link to learn more about the services that YCSC and its YouthBuild partners offer to young people ages 16-24 who need to earn their diploma.

Our partners at Compton YouthBuild/ EntreNous Youth Empowerment Services were recently featured in an article in "The Imprint," along with Rafael Alvarado, a 2020 graduate of their construction apprentice readiness training program. Since completing Compton YouthBuild's apprenticeship readiness program in 2020, "Alvarado is now a fourth-level carpenter apprentice on his way to becoming a journeyman, where he can make $56 an hour. He’s worked on high-profile projects like an opulent hotel in downtown L.A. and a new transit line at the airport...Now, at 26, he is a newly minted homeowner."
If you or someone you know is looking for the apprenticeship readiness training needed to get a well paying union job, call Compton YouthBuild at (310) 631-2000!

This month's graduate spotlight is shining on Anthony Pinto, a 2022 graduate from our Lennox site at SBWIB YouthBuild. At YouthBuild Charter School of California, Anthony found an environment where he could thrive in school and take construction classes to prepare him for a future career in the construction and building trades. Click the heading to read more about Anthony's YouthBuild experience.

The talented recording arts students from our Moreno Valley site at Rising Stars Business Academy were hard at work in the studio this year. They debuted a new song at their 2022 Graduation Ceremony. The song was written by student Moani Slaughter and features vocals by student Jennifer Rojo and emcees Kaleb Price, James Bell, and Jennifer Rojo. We hope you'll give it a listen.

Gabrielle Calhoun, a 2022 graduate from our San Bernardino site at YouthBuild Inland Empire, enrolled at YouthBuild Charter because she wanted to earn her diploma and show her five children the value of an education. Click the heading to read our full Q&A with Gabrielle.

We are currently hiring single-subject credentialed English and Math teachers. Check out our Employment Opportunities page or simply click on the headline above for details. To apply, email [email protected] and include the position you're applying for in the subject.

This week we are spotlighting Bridget Burton, a senior at our Fresno site. "What I liked most about YouthBuild Charter School was their passion and eagerness for you to succeed," Bridget shared. "They were continuously supportive and non judgmental. They provided a comforting and safe place to learn." Click the heading to read our full interview with Bridget.

On Friday, May 27th and Saturday, May 28th, our CAMT (Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician) students took part in a Lab Day at the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles. During the Lab Day, students had the opportunity to receive hands-on training in areas like plumbing, electrical, welding, and drywalling.

Maria Diaz (Class of 2020, Compton YouthBuild site) and our partners at EntreNous Youth Empowerment Services were recently featured in an LA Mag story titled, "How EntreNous Helped A Compton Student Transition From Hopeless to Hopeful." After graduating, Maria was hired by EQ Office, which recently partnered with EntreNous, providing over $1.2 million in donated labor and in-kind donations to renovate and transform their facility as well as starting a 1:1 mentorship program for seven Compton YouthBuild students. Click the link in the headline above to read the full article on LA Mag's website.