PACE/YouthBuild is currently accepting applications for fall 2010 enrollment. YouthBuild New Bedford is a component of AmeriCorps, a full-time youth development program that offers education, leadership, and job readiness skills. This is accomplished through GED preparation, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), CPR & First Aide Certification, Carpentry and Weatherization – green initiatives and concepts.
All participants that are successfully enrolled into the program will receive a weekly cash stipend with an opportunity to earn the AmeriCorps Education Award of $ 1,415. The Education Award is accrued hourly through community services activities/events and is applied toward college and/or trade school.
Eligible applicants must be between the ages of 16 – 24 years of age and a United State Citizen or permanent resident. The application process takes approximately one hour and consists of filling out the application and taking the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
All interested applicants are welcomed to visit the organization’s facility at 181 Hillman Street, Building 9, Room 101, New Bedford, MA 02740 between the hours of 9:00am -3:00pm, Monday through Friday.
To take advantage of this opportunity or receive more information about the PACE/YouthBuild and the AmeriCorps program, or to schedule an appointment to fill out an application, call 508-984-3558.
Contact: Erik Andrade, 508-984-3558, EriqAndrade@Gmail.com
More about PACEYouthBuild
What is PACE/YouthBuild New Bedford?
YouthBuild is a non-profit organization serving youth, ages 16 – 24, in the Greater New Bedford area. Since 1996, it has been under the support of PACE (People Acting in Community Endeavors). We work with youth and young adults to overcome any barriers to success.
What is the goal of PACE/YouthBuild?
The goal of the PACE/YouthBuild program is to provide young adults with the opportunities to become productive citizens. It offers this opportunity through academic instruction, community service, and life-skills training, leadership and career development. This involvement will help transform their lives and rebuild their community.
How does YouthBuild see itself in the community as a leadership and youth development program?
PACE/YouthBuild functions to provide basic survival skill for living a productive life in any given community. We challenge and support youth to perform to the best of their abilities while guiding them to develop a good reputation, gain valuable life skills, commit to educational growth and opportunities, and support endeavors relating to assisting the people of New Bedford.
We expect all members to be part of a service partnership with New Bedford agencies, such as Gifts to Give, 3rd Eye Unlimited, and the PACE food bank, that help and support the people of its community. Developing a relationship with the community at large affects PACE/YouthBuild members to become more mindful of the importance to act responsibly for the benefit of themselves, their families, and others.
What is the US national program AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the nation’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. It is a domestic community service program of volunteers helping to meet critical needs of the community. For example, our AmeriCorps members service the New Bedford community by cleaning parks and beaches, building playgrounds, reading to preschoolers, organizing clothing for the poor, planting trees, etc.
Why is AmeriCorps important to the YouthBuild program?
In as much as the AmeriCorps volunteers help others, they gain new skills, experiences, respect and self-worth. In addition, members accumulate the hours spent in volunteer service. These hours translate to earning a full time or partial educational award. This award translates to scholarship money for the member to any post-secondary school: college, community college, technical/trade school.
The education award is a superb financial stepping stone for youth who lack financial resources to higher education. It gives them the bridge to have a meaningful career and become a responsible citizen.
Besides AmeriCorps, what else does YouthBuild offer to youth?
We at PACE/YouthBuild have:
• a GED program that offers individual and small-group instruction
• guidance and advice to help the growth and life survival processes
• field-study trips to exposure members to environmental and job related matters
• weekly stipend
• OSHA certificate (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
• a CPR and First Aid certificate
• exposure to trade skill oriented jobs & careers: carpentry & environmental career opportunities
• an adult staff providing constant guidance, support and direction
• A consistent message that they are valuable and that someone cares about their welfare
