Learn How to Apply for YouthBuild Evansville’s Next Cohort

YouthBuild Evansville is now enrolling, and if you or someone you know is looking to better their life, this is a great place to get started.

Previously: The Cool Story Behind YouthBuild Evansville’s Holiday Toy Drive

As we begin a new year, YouthBuild Evansville continues its mission to empower disconnected youth in our community through a variety of programs. The organization is committed to helping young people ages 16 to 24 who have not finished high school or are currently out of work get back on their feet and build a better future. YouthBuild is now accepting applications for the next student cohort, which will begin in late February 2025.

Meet Kyndal: A YouthBuild Evansville Success Story

Kyndal is one of YouthBuild's students who recently earned her high school equivalency and was accepted into the Honors College at Ivy Tech. She just finished her first week of classes and is currently majoring in Human Services. Kyndal said that, in addition to the educational support, YouthBuild Evansville also provided her with assistance regarding problems at home and other aspects of her personal life.

"They help with—literally anything that you can think of," she said. "They've made a really big impact on my life."

Get our free mobile app

YouthBuild notes that one of Kyndal's most admirable qualities is her resilience and drive. She grew up in a difficult home situation and became a mom at a very young age. However, despite the adversity in her life, the organization reports that Kyndal has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has exceeded expectations. Additionally, she was the only student to achieve a perfect score on the YouthBuild program’s first NCCER exam.

How to Enroll in the YouthBuild Evansville Program

The next cohort of students begins on Feb. 24, 2025, and applying for the program isn’t hard at all. Youth wanting to enroll can find a link to apply on the YouthBuild Evansville website. Once submitted, applicants will receive a call from the organization to set up a time to meet and go over the rundown for the first week of the cohort.

"That whole week is the mental toughness week, and then those who survive it—those who show up every day and do what they're supposed to do—are invited to become actual participants, and that would start the following week," said Tiffany Browning, YouthBuild Evansville Job Developer and Placement Specialist.

Browning added that the program is sort of like attending regular school, but is much more laid back with shorter hours. Students attend Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until noon. In addition to the educational and employment aspects of the program, YouthBuild Evansville also has a full-time case manager to support students' psychological needs, as previously noted by Kyndal.

Ways You Can Support YouthBuild Evansville

There are numerous ways you can help support this wonderful program in our community. Folks are invited to volunteer time and expertise to mentor participants, share your story as a guest speaker, or even provide in-kind donations and resources to support the programs. Additionally, you can simply help spread the word about the organization and encourage others to join this important mission. Learn more about becoming a part of the YouthBuild family by visiting the YouthBuild Evansville website and following their Facebook page for regular updates.

You can listen to my full conversation with Tiffany and Kyndal below: