Youthbuild Racine Project

Youthbuild Racine Project

Goals and Objectives
(i) To provide 16 economically disadvantaged young adults, ages 18 to 24, preferably unemployed, unskilled high school dropouts, with educational opportunities to obtain their high school diplomas, enhance their employment skills, as a means to achieving economic self-sufficiency;
(ii) To provide them with meaningful on-site, hands-on training experiences in housing construction and rehabilitation, thereby enabling them to render a useful service to their community in meeting the housing needs of low-income persons;
(iii) To increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income persons by building a new home at 926 Superior Street and a major rehabilitation on 1305 Geneva Street, both in Racine, WI.
(iv) To foster leadership development skills in the Youthbuild participants and generate a spirit of pride and commitment to their community by completing the OIC Youth Leadership Development component and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of people in the neighborhood where the construction projects will take place;
(v) To promote non-traditional occupations among Youthbuild participants and assist them to develop interest in high wage occupations in the construction industry and transition at least 50% (or 8 participants) into apprenticeship training with some local construction companies;
(vi) To graduate a minimum of 75% (or 12 participants) in the GED/High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) program.

Basic Education
This component will replicate OIC’s GED/HSED program, reputed to be Racine County’s most successful remedial education program for the past 12 years. It will consist of 3-hours a day, five days a week classroom training dealing with basic skills remediation, preparation for GED or HSED, leadership development, some theoretical vocational instruction related to housing construction terminology and concepts, (job-site safety), non-traditional occupations, pre-employment training, resume writing and job retention skills workshops. The basic core of this component will be the required courses for high school equivalency diploma. These are Reading, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Writing, Career Awareness, Health and Civics.

One of the units of our Basic Education unit is the Techno-Literacy Unit, which will bring the world of 21st century computer technology closer to the Youthbuild Racine Project participants. Because of the highly technological age in which we live, one salient aspect of the basic education will be attention on technological applications. Students will be instructed in the use of some computer software. Technology will be infused into the Youthbuild activities with numerous instructional modules as well as hands-on laboratory experiences. “The OIC Computer Education site in Racine is an outstanding example of academic enrichment. It teaches students basic computer concepts while simultaneously teaching trainees keyboarding, spelling, diction, math and other skills. This class is made up of 100% minority at-risk students. OIC should be commended for this fine cutting edge educational program.” *Excerpt from a letter dated October 2, 1997 signed by Bruce V. Bennett, Program Manager, Local Agency Coordination and Assistance Section, Wisconsin State Department of Workforce Development, Madison, Wisconsin, after a 2-day site visit.

Youth Leadership Development
Youth Leadership Development is an essential ingredient to the success of our youth. Each Youthbuild participant will complete the OIC Youth Leadership Development program, take all the quizzes and complete a two-way assessment feedback to determine program effectiveness in meeting participants’ needs. Instruction will be provided on issues critical to young adults in this community, such as drug abuse, non-violent conflict resolution, anger management, positive self-esteem, time management, values clarification, etc. The Basic Education (GED/HSED) component of the Youthbuild Racine project will start daily at 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon Mondays through Fridays in the OIC Building at 1020 Washington Avenue, Racine.

Support Services
The support services associated with this program will include payment of bi-monthly stipends based on number of hours plus a perfect attendance bonus. Client assistance will be provided for childcare and transportation if they may become barriers to program participation. Special city BUS (Belle Urban System) schedule arrangement will be made to transport Youthbuild participants from the OIC building to the construction sites. Counseling services will be offered to address academic and occupational training issues, personal needs, work maturity issues, legal and domestic problems. These case management services will be designed to minimize attrition, ensure completion of training, transition to further job training or apprenticeship and maximum placement retention. Each participant will draw a bi-monthly stipend based on hours spent in the program and incentive payments for quality of their services, such as regular attendance, passing their tests, etc. Support services will be rendered both at the OIC building, at the construction sites 1305 Geneva Street, 926 Superior Street or anywhere else convenient for the participant and the Case Manager.

On-Site Construction Training
The on-site construction occupational training will be conducted by three (3) licensed journeyman level construction instructors. Two single-family 3-bedroom homes will be built. The first one to rehabilitate the current structure at 1305 Geneva Street. Asbestos will be removed from the old house by an EPA certified company (Schauer & Associates of Milwaukee). The current detached garage will be demolished and the site prepared for a new one. The second construction project will be on a 6,720 square foot vacant lot at 926 Superior Street. Three licensed construction professionals (ratio of 1 trainer to approximately 5 trainees) will work on the houses with assisting and learning. The on-site training will cover all phases and techniques of home construction project. Other specialists, including Labor Union members, City inspectors and planners, building material suppliers and mortgage officers will be brought on-site to teach and discuss issues such as electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, occupational safety, expectations on the job, becoming Union members and its privileges as well as borrowing money for mortgage.

On-site training activities on both construction projects will include demolition, concrete and foundations, electrical plumbing, HVAC, rough carpentry, drywall, mud and tape, insulation, priming and finish painting, cabinetry, blueprint reading, roofing, carpet installation, doors and windows installation, etc. This project will also promote non-traditional occupations for trainees. Therefore, women will be recruited and trained for occupations traditionally dominated by men. Trainees with physical disabilities will be encouraged to pursue occupations that accommodate various disabilities, such as engineering, architecture, property management and maintenance. On-site, hands-on construction occupational training will take place at the construction sites 1305 Geneva Street and 926 Superior Street, supervised by licensed construction professionals.

A minimum of sixteen (16) eligible youth will be enrolled into Youthbuild Racine Project. A minimum of 12 participants will successfully graduate (receive their GED/HSED and complete on-site construction training). A minimum of 50% of the graduates will go on into construction trades. Apprenticeship program with established construction companies.

1020 Washington Avenue Racine, Wisconsin, 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3818 -Fax: (262) 636-3922

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1305 Geneva St. Proposed for major rehab scheduled to begin October 2001 by Bank of Elmwood.

1146 Memorial Dr. Proposed for major rehab scheduled for second year of the youthbuild project.

926 Superior St.
Proposed for new construction October 2001.

930 Superior St.
Another new construction scheduled to start after completion of 926 Superior St.

Vehicle Donated to OIC for Youthbuild Program

Goals and Objectives
(i) To provide 16 economically disadvantaged young adults, ages 18 to 24, preferably unemployed, unskilled high school dropouts, with educational opportunities to obtain their high school diplomas, enhance their employment skills, as a means to achieving economic self-sufficiency;
(ii) To provide them with meaningful on-site, hands-on training experiences in housing construction and rehabilitation, thereby enabling them to render a useful service to their community in meeting the housing needs of low-income persons;
(iii) To increase the supply of affordable housing for low-income persons by building a new home at 926 Superior Street and a major rehabilitation on 1305 Geneva Street, both in Racine, WI.
(iv) To foster leadership development skills in the Youthbuild participants and generate a spirit of pride and commitment to their community by completing the OIC Youth Leadership Development component and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of people in the neighborhood where the construction projects will take place;
(v) To promote non-traditional occupations among Youthbuild participants and assist them to develop interest in high wage occupations in the construction industry and transition at least 50% (or 8 participants) into apprenticeship training with some local construction companies;
(vi) To graduate a minimum of 75% (or 12 participants) in the GED/High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) program.

Basic Education
This component will replicate OIC’s GED/HSED program, reputed to be Racine County’s most successful remedial education program for the past 12 years. It will consist of 3-hours a day, five days a week classroom training dealing with basic skills remediation, preparation for GED or HSED, leadership development, some theoretical vocational instruction related to housing construction terminology and concepts, (job-site safety), non-traditional occupations, pre-employment training, resume writing and job retention skills workshops. The basic core of this component will be the required courses for high school equivalency diploma. These are Reading, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Writing, Career Awareness, Health and Civics.

One of the units of our Basic Education unit is the Techno-Literacy Unit, which will bring the world of 21st century computer technology closer to the Youthbuild Racine Project participants. Because of the highly technological age in which we live, one salient aspect of the basic education will be attention on technological applications. Students will be instructed in the use of some computer software. Technology will be infused into the Youthbuild activities with numerous instructional modules as well as hands-on laboratory experiences. “The OIC Computer Education site in Racine is an outstanding example of academic enrichment. It teaches students basic computer concepts while simultaneously teaching trainees keyboarding, spelling, diction, math and other skills. This class is made up of 100% minority at-risk students. OIC should be commended for this fine cutting edge educational program.” *Excerpt from a letter dated October 2, 1997 signed by Bruce V. Bennett, Program Manager, Local Agency Coordination and Assistance Section, Wisconsin State Department of Workforce Development, Madison, Wisconsin, after a 2-day site visit.

Youth Leadership Development
Youth Leadership Development is an essential ingredient to the success of our youth. Each Youthbuild participant will complete the OIC Youth Leadership Development program, take all the quizzes and complete a two-way assessment feedback to determine program effectiveness in meeting participants’ needs. Instruction will be provided on issues critical to young adults in this community, such as drug abuse, non-violent conflict resolution, anger management, positive self-esteem, time management, values clarification, etc. The Basic Education (GED/HSED) component of the Youthbuild Racine project will start daily at 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 noon Mondays through Fridays in the OIC Building at 1020 Washington Avenue, Racine.

Support Services
The support services associated with this program will include payment of bi-monthly stipends based on number of hours plus a perfect attendance bonus. Client assistance will be provided for childcare and transportation if they may become barriers to program participation. Special city BUS (Belle Urban System) schedule arrangement will be made to transport Youthbuild participants from the OIC building to the construction sites. Counseling services will be offered to address academic and occupational training issues, personal needs, work maturity issues, legal and domestic problems. These case management services will be designed to minimize attrition, ensure completion of training, transition to further job training or apprenticeship and maximum placement retention. Each participant will draw a bi-monthly stipend based on hours spent in the program and incentive payments for quality of their services, such as regular attendance, passing their tests, etc. Support services will be rendered both at the OIC building, at the construction sites 1305 Geneva Street, 926 Superior Street or anywhere else convenient for the participant and the Case Manager.

On-Site Construction Training
The on-site construction occupational training will be conducted by three (3) licensed journeyman level construction instructors. Two single-family 3-bedroom homes will be built. The first one to rehabilitate the current structure at 1305 Geneva Street. Asbestos will be removed from the old house by an EPA certified company (Schauer & Associates of Milwaukee). The current detached garage will be demolished and the site prepared for a new one. The second construction project will be on a 6,720 square foot vacant lot at 926 Superior Street. Three licensed construction professionals (ratio of 1 trainer to approximately 5 trainees) will work on the houses with assisting and learning. The on-site training will cover all phases and techniques of home construction project. Other specialists, including Labor Union members, City inspectors and planners, building material suppliers and mortgage officers will be brought on-site to teach and discuss issues such as electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry, occupational safety, expectations on the job, becoming Union members and its privileges as well as borrowing money for mortgage.

On-site training activities on both construction projects will include demolition, concrete and foundations, electrical plumbing, HVAC, rough carpentry, drywall, mud and tape, insulation, priming and finish painting, cabinetry, blueprint reading, roofing, carpet installation, doors and windows installation, etc. This project will also promote non-traditional occupations for trainees. Therefore, women will be recruited and trained for occupations traditionally dominated by men. Trainees with physical disabilities will be encouraged to pursue occupations that accommodate various disabilities, such as engineering, architecture, property management and maintenance. On-site, hands-on construction occupational training will take place at the construction sites 1305 Geneva Street and 926 Superior Street, supervised by licensed construction professionals.

A minimum of sixteen (16) eligible youth will be enrolled into Youthbuild Racine Project. A minimum of 12 participants will successfully graduate (receive their GED/HSED and complete on-site construction training). A minimum of 50% of the graduates will go on into construction trades. Apprenticeship program with established construction companies.