Students spend half a day each week doing community service with a nonprofit agency chosen to match their skills and interests. Participants are provided career counseling, vocational mentors, instruction in job readiness skills, individual counseling, case management, support groups, life skills workshops, alcohol and drug education, social and recreational activities, and referral to other community services. As students progress through the program they are given opportunities to develop leadership skills and take responsibility for themselves, their families, the program, and the community. For example, program policy is determined by a committee of eight students and two staff members. Portland YouthBuilders sets skills standards that are equal to those of employers in the construction industry.
Students sign a rights and responsibilities contract on entry to the program.
While minor infractions are addressed on an individual contract basis, serious infractions including poor attendance, intoxication, or bringing weapons to school result in dismissal. Portland YouthBuilders tracks student progress extensively, performing educational tests, and inventorying attainment of job skills, life skills, and construction skills. Counselors also track the personal goals students set for themselves at the outset of the program. The program is too new to show many outcomes. Email Webmaster Tel.