The Illinois Youthbuild Coalition To Host Third Annual Construction Demonstration
Springfield, IL — April 29th, 2025 — Over 50 YouthBuild participants from throughout the state of Illinois will gather in Springfield to demonstrate their construction skills at the 3rd Annual Illinois YouthBuild Construction Demonstration on April 29th from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Capitol Complex Visitors’ Center, 425 S. College Street.
YouthBuild is a youth and community development program that simultaneously addresses core issues facing low-income communities such as housing, education, employment, violence prevention, and youth leadership development. In YouthBuild programs, low-income young people ages 16 to 24 work toward their GED or high school diploma while also earning nationally recognized construction industry certifications. As they earn their credentials, participants also contribute to their respective communities by helping build affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. We call our participants “opportunity youth.”
This year’s event highlights the workforce development skills learned in YouthBuild programs across Illinois, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, solar energy, and information technology. YouthBuild is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a pre-apprenticeship training model and is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, with additional support from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Labor. Projects constructed during the demonstration will be donated to nonprofit organizations, extending the impact of the event into communities across the state.
“YouthBuild is honored to showcase the skills our young leaders have gained—and we are especially grateful to the members of the Illinois General Assembly for their continued support,” said Tameka Wilson, President of the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition. “Because of their investment, YouthBuild programs have been able to grow and thrive in some of the most in-need communities across the state. Their commitment ensures we can continue to expand opportunity and impact across the entire state.”
The Construction Demonstration offers legislators and community leaders a firsthand look at how YouthBuild programs are preparing young adults for success in high-demand fields while meeting local workforce needs. YouthBuild Illinois is proud to use this platform to demonstrate its reach, celebrate its youth, and express appreciation for the policies and partnerships that make these programs possible.
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