In 1991, YouthBuild Philadelphia’s founder and former executive director, Taylor Frome, recognized the urgent need to deal with the issue of out-of-school youth in Philadelphia. The dropout rate in the city’s public schools hovered at 50%, and there were few job-training opportunities available for young people without diplomas.
A Solution
Frome drew together a group of community representatives to start YouthBuild Philadelphia, a program based on the model created by YouthBuild USA founder Dorothy Stoneman in east Harlem. The intent: to start a program that would address the needs of out-of-school youth through an innovative academic curriculum, on-the-job construction training, and a wide range of supportive services.
In 1992, the committee began to pursue funding to put the idea in motion. The city's Office of Housing and Community Development quickly committed funds for housing rehabilitation. Enthusiastic about the program, the Philadelphia School District provided a full-time teacher and re-enrolled YouthBuild students.
A Hope for the Future
In the Fall of 1992, the program's first class of young men and women started their training in a church. A year later, 16 proud students earned high school diplomas. The results were heartening, and a new class was recruited for the next year.
A Commitment to Change
YouthBuild Philadelphia has developed into a successful non-profit organization and Charter School serving 200 students per year, as well as the larger community. A flagship of the YouthBuild movement, we are now one of the most successful programs in the country!
