Green Academy
Through the Green Academy, YouthBuild introduces students to sustainable building practices and positions them to move into quality jobs in the green building industry.
The Green Academy, piloted in 2009-2010 and expected to be fully integrated by 2010-2011, provides YouthBuild students with training in green building practices, energy conservation techniques, deconstruction and material reuse, and the LEED certification process. It also addresses two of the most pressing issues confronting youth today – the environment and poverty.
When fully established, the Green Academy will give YouthBuild students hands-on learning opportunities on seven training “mock-ups,” providing them with practice in energy-efficient retrofitting, weatherization, proper installation of doors and windows, and energy-efficient appliance installation.
The Green Academy Advisory Council will include employers and union apprenticeship coordinators. This will ensure that job providers are invested in the program and will let them see first-hand how YouthBuild can provide them with motivated and educated workers.
