Youth Services

LEARN

We offer GED classes in partnership with Dutchess Community College, and pay you for attendance + completion.

EARN

We provide you with training and jobs to make money!

You will receive job ready certifications for completely free

REBUILD OUR 
COMMUNITY

Through mentorship and training, you will set an example for the next generation and inspire others with your accomplishments.

Why YouthBuild?

Bi-Weekly Paychecks
For Preformance

Small Classes

College Credits

Hands-On Training

College & Career 
Coaching

Youth Mentoring

Industry Recognized
Certifications

Goal Based Education

Leadership
Opportunities

Scholarship/Awards
Opportunities

Leadership Opportunities

And More

YouthBuild believes that the goals, dreams, and aspirations of every young person are real. They are important, and they are achievable.

Young people do not need fixing; they need champions who see them for who they really are, and who they can become. Every young person possesses the potential to become a community leader and should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

At Nubian Directions II, the Youthbuild program is geared towards helping individuals without a high school diploma to obtain their GED, all while acquiring practical skills that can positively impact their lives in the long term.

We are one of the 276 YouthBuild programs across the United States, Nubian Directions II aims to change the lives of young people by providing training, community service opportunities, and sustainable-wage jobs.

Am I Eligible To Join YouthBuild?

Age Requirement:

Between the ages of 16 and 24 on the date of enrollment.

1

Needs to be one or more of the following:

A member of a low-income family (including youth experiencing housing instability)

Youth in foster care ( including youth aging out of foster care )

A youth involved in the justice system

A youth who is an individual with a disability  

A child of an incarcerated parent

A migrant youth

2

One of the following:

Left high school prior to graduation

An individual who left high school prior to graduation and has subsequently re-enrolled (as provided in WIOA Sec. 171(e)(1) Eligible Participants).

3

As it relates to determining which youth are considered out-of-school youth, DOL does not consider providers of Adult Education under YouthBuild programs to be “schools.”

Therefore, WIOA Youth programs may consider youth out-of-school for purposes of WIOA Youth program eligibility if they are attending Adult Education provided under YouthBuild.

Up to, but not more than, 25 percent of the participants in the program may be youth who do not meet criteria 2 or 3 above, but they must meet the following:

Be basic skills deficient, despite attainment of a high school diploma or its state-recognized equivalent

Have been referred by a local secondary school for participation in a YouthBuild program leading to the attainment of a high school diploma.

NOTE: Male participants aged 18 or older must register for the U.S. Selective Service System (www.sss.gov) before being provided any program services. If they turn 18 while participating, they must register at that time.

Nubian Directions II is a non-profit organization based in Poughkeepsie, New York, that is dedicated to providing educational, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities to youth and adults in lower-income communities. One of their flagship programs is their Youth Mentoring program, which aims to provide positive role models, guidance, and support to young people in the community. We will explore the benefits of youth mentoring, what it prevents, and why it is essential for youth in lower-income communities and beyond.

How Does the Youth Mentoring Program Work?

The Youth Mentoring Program at Nubian Directions II matches adult mentors with young people aged 18-24 from the community. The mentors serve as positive role models and offer guidance, support, and encouragement to their mentees. They help young people navigate the challenges they face, both personally and academically. The program operates year-round and includes one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, and peer mentoring.

Benefits of Youth Mentoring

There are numerous benefits of youth mentoring, both for the mentees and the mentors. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. Improved Academic Performance: Research has shown that youth who participate in mentoring programs have higher academic achievement and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
  2. Positive Behavioral Changes: Youth mentoring programs can help prevent risky behavior such as drug and alcohol use, early sexual activity, and violence.
  3. Increased Self-Esteem: Mentoring can help young people build confidence and self-esteem by providing positive feedback, encouragement, and guidance.
  4. Building Healthy Relationships: Mentoring relationships provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to build healthy relationships with adults and peers.
  5. Career Preparation: Mentors can help young people explore career paths and provide guidance on education and training requirements.

Youth mentoring programs can prevent a range of negative outcomes for young people, including:

  1. Risky Behavior: Mentoring can reduce the likelihood of young people engaging in risky behavior such as drug and alcohol use, early sexual activity, and violence.
  2. Academic Failure: Mentoring can improve academic performance, reduce absenteeism, and increase school engagement, which can help prevent academic failure and dropout.
  3. Juvenile Delinquency: Mentoring can prevent young people from becoming involved in the criminal justice system by providing positive role models, guidance, and support.

Youth mentoring is particularly important for young people in lower-income communities who may not have access to positive role models or resources to help them succeed. Mentors can help fill the gap by providing support and guidance to young people who may not have access to these resources otherwise. Additionally, youth mentoring programs can help level the playing field by providing young people from all backgrounds with the tools they need to succeed in life.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from being in this program, get in touch with us today.

Thank you.

Fill out the form below for a call back or
click here for our full online application.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Fill out the form below to sign up today

Click Here To Access The Form