YouthBuild Lake County celebrates the graduating Classes of 2022-23
On Tuesday, June 13, YouthBuild Lake County, a nonprofit institute dedicated to the academics and job training of local youth, hosted the success ceremony for the Classes of 2022-23.
Family, friends and invited guests joined staff to celebrate the dedication and commitment of two of YBLC's graduating cohorts.
The ceremony was opened by Tameka Wilson, executive director of YBLC, who praised the transformation of those graduating and acknowledged their dedication to receiving their diplomas and work credentials.
The event was joined by members of YBLC's board of directors and North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. The graduation ceremony also featured many inspiring speeches from guests, including board member Allen Berger and YouthBuild program alumnus William Chatman.
Chatman shared his journey to becoming the executive director of Comprehensive Community Solutions, which included inspirational stories about his time as a YouthBuild program participant.
The participants received their diplomas surrounded by their loved ones and those who have supported them throughout their educational journey. Jeremiah, a participant of the YouthBuild program, reflected on his time at YBLC with a speech at the ceremony.
"The fact that I'm standing here still feels surreal," he said. "I thought it would take me years to get my diploma ... But our time is now. Now is the time where we get to use the building blocks YBLC gave us, and continue to acquire, and stack more blocks on our own in the real world."
Reuben, a participant in the Pre-Apprentice program, was one of the participants, said, "The experience I shared at YBLC is something I feel everyone should attempt. The kindness of the staff and the genuine care they put into teaching us is something I've come to respect."
YBLC's core mission is to provide its participants and trainees with the education, training and skills to become gainfully employed. Completing this program allows them to secure meaningful employment and paves the way for a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
In YBLC's YouthBuild program, participants ages 17-24 complete a 6 to 9 month career readiness program where participants earn their high school diploma and gain credentials and experience to begin lifelong careers in a variety of in-demand career pathways.
The 12-week Pre-Apprentice program is designed to help Illinois residents ages 18 and older, who already have a diploma and are interested in beginning a career in the building and construction trades, earn credentials, hands-on experience and other supportive services to assist the trainees into Department of Labor approved apprenticeships.
The mission of YouthBuild Lake County is to provide underserved young adults with education, training and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. Through two different education and career programs, YBLC offers career training opportunities in Construction, Healthcare, Transportation/Distribution & Logistics and Utilities.
Today, YBLC serves over 75 young people each year, and provides follow up and assistance to hundreds of alumni. YBLC Inc. is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.
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