July30,2026| Evening Newsand Tribune(Jeffersonville-NewAlbany,IN) Author/Byline: DANIEL SUDDEATH
SOUTHERN INDIANA – A federal grant will help the local workforce board “build the next generation of talent” by developing youth who dropped out of school without obtaining a diploma.
The U.S. Department of Labor has selected Southern Indiana Works as a grant recipient, which will allow the board to establish a local YouthBuild chapter. Participants will be trained in the construction sector while also having the opportunity to further their education. According to SIW, the YouthBuild
model includes the completion of a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma, achievement of industry-recognized credentials in construction, development
of leadership skills, attainment of hands-on experience in construction trades and the opening of pathways into employment, apprenticeships and postsecondary education.
The local program will be offered to youth ages 16-24 who did not complete high school and face other barriers to employment.
“This is a tremendous achievement for our region and a direct reflection of the strength of the partnerships, collaboration and commitment that exists in Southern Indiana,” said Tony Waterson, SIW’s president and CEO. “When we invest in young workers, we strengthen the long-term foundation of our local economy and community.”
Up to 52 area teenagers who have left school and may face other challenges
will be included in the program. Along with instruction, apprenticeships and
AI literacy, participants will also be supported as needed with work attire,
tools and transportation.
“Not every student needs a four-year degree to achieve the American Dream,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana.
“Programs like YouthBuild prepare young Hoosiers for rewarding careers in
the skilled trades while strengthening Indiana’s workforce. I’m proud to support this effort and congratulate Southern Indiana Works on this achievement.”
YouthBuild was established in the 1970s, and currently serves more than
5,000 teenagers annually in the U.S. Among its programming, more than 200 housing units are built or renovated each year by YouthBuild participants.
“Investing in our youth is an investment into the future of Southern Indiana,” said U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Indiana.
“The funding for the YouthBuild Program will expand opportunities for young people by providing them with leadership development, hands-on-
construction training and additional pathways for their future careers. I was proud to advocate for this grant and congratulate all those whose hard work secured this funding.”
The YouthBuild program will include multiple local partners.
According to SIW:
-Eckerd Connects, SIW’s partner at the WorkOne Career Center, will provide leadership development training, career exploration, supportive services and case management.
-River Valley Resources will provide adult education classes, guiding participants through the attainment of their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma.
-Prosser Career Education Center will provide classroom instruction towards the achievement of construction industry credentials, and Iron Workers Local Union #70 will provide OSHA training.
-Habitat for Humanity of Clark and Floyd Indiana will offer the opportunity
for hands-on construction experience while also providing greater housing access to the community.
-One Southern Indiana will offer entrepreneurship and small business expertise and instruction.
-Community Action of Southern Indiana and Metro United Way will offer further community service opportunities.
Other local partners will guide participants through their options following the completion of YouthBuild: Ivy Tech Community College as a post-secondary institution; Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC), Iron Workers Local Union #70, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 181 JATC, and Associated Builders and Contractors as registered
apprenticeship providers; and The Koetter Group, MAC Construction, Dan Cristiani Excavating and McRae Enterprises as local industry employers.
The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, Duke Energy Foundation, MAC Construction and Dan Cristiani Excavating are also assisting with
funding for the program.
“We at Habitat for Humanity Clark and Floyd Indiana are excited to partner with this new YouthBuild initiative to expand opportunities for qualified homebuyers and create a stronger future for our community,” said Jaclyn Isaacs, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana.
“The need for affordable homeownership continues to grow, and this collaboration allows us to increase our capacity to serve more families while providing meaningful, hands-on experiences for young people in the YouthBuild program.”
