MiSide Youth Academy

Free Training

Youth Programming is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 18-24 who have previously dropped out of high school. The program is free.

The Program

Youth learn vocational skills in construction and skilled trade. Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.

Youth split their time between the vocational training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for postsecondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment. YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.

With Youth Programming, you’ll:

Rehab a home and create hands-on carpentry projects
Receive High School Diploma/High School Equivalency (HSD/HSE) academic instruction
Receive MIOSHA30, First AID, Customer Service, and NCCER pre-apprentice credential
Receive a stipend while you train

Youth Programming is a 24-week program. Classes meet Monday to Friday from 9AM – 3PM located at 4220 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit, MI 48209.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in Youth Programming, you must be:

18-24 years
A resident of Detroit
No High School Diploma or GED
Interested in a construction trade

To enroll in Youth Programming:
Call 313-297-0065 or send an email.

Program partners

MiHousing
Detroit Recovery Project
Fight the Good Fight
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters
36th District Court

Results

80%

of Youth Programs students are placed into jobs.

60%

attain their High School Diploma/High School Equivalency.

80%

of Youth Programs students attain their pre-apprenticeship credentials.

1860

In 2019, Youth Programs served 62 students. Those students put in 1860 hours of community service as part of their training.