Congratulations to YouthBuild’s latest graduating cohort! Fourteen students dedicated six months to learning construction skills and building a tiny home for the Low Income Housing Institute (opens in new window), all while working towards their GED. The future is bright for these young people, and we are so excited to see where their new certifications and skills take them.

YB grads
YB grad

A packed room full of family and friends showed up to rousingly support students at last week’s graduation. During the ceremony, a slideshow presentation of photos from the last six months showcased steps of the student’s six-month journey, and staff spoke about each student as they received their certifications, naming their unique skills and contributions to the program.

YB grad audience

Charter Construction, DPR Construction, and Walsh/RDF generously donated gifts that awaited graduates after the ceremony. The air buzzed with excitement as students hugged their loved ones and took photos in green graduation caps and gowns while enjoying post-ceremony refreshments.


We want to give a huge shout-out to all the partners who joined forces with YouthBuild to support each of YouthBuild’s students – thank you, DPR Construction (opens in new window), Walsh/RDF (opens in new window), Hoffman Construction (opens in new window), Sellen Construction (opens in new window), McKinstry (opens in new window), Lease Crutcher Lewis (opens in new window), Compass Construction (opens in new window), Atkinson Construction (opens in new window), Charter Construction (opens in new window), Madden Construction (opens in new window), Sound Transit (opens in new window), NAC Architecture (opens in new window), and King County Housing Authority (opens in new window)!

YouthBuild is a six-month pre-apprenticeship construction program for young people ages 18 – 24. Participants earn a weekly stipend while studying for their high school diploma or equivalent, gaining skills needed to join the workforce, and giving back to the community by building tiny houses for the Low Income Housing Institute (opens in new window).

For more information, please contact Tess Sebastian at tess.sebastian@youthcare.org.