On Friday May 18, 2012 the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition hosted its first Learning Academy. Located in Leominster MA at the Doyle Center- Trustees of Reservations, the day consisted of professional development workshops. Each workshop addressed key topics such as Education, Construction, Support Services, and Program Management. Directors and Staff members from all ten Massachusetts YouthBuild programs were in attendance. Developing and planning the Learning Academy provided an opportunity for YouthBuild to strengthen their program through the transfer of knowledge relationship and products. Each program walked away with something new to bring back to their site. As a Coalition, YouthBuild continues to increase its ability to function and effectively meet its mission. “This is the first time YouthBuild programs came together not only to learn and experience professional development, but to get to know other YouthBuild programs. I would like to see a lot more in the future.” (Quoted from Greg Mumford Deputy- Director of YouthBuild Boston). We are thankful for all that helped make this happen and plan to have more opportunities for professional development and program networking in the years to come. See photos of the Learning Academy on the home page tab

Here’s a look at some of the workshops presented below:

Education

·  Portfolios as an Essential Part of a YouthBuild Education-By Catherine Pautsch
· Classroom Engagement for critical Thinking-By Krista Sabados and YouthBuild Lawrence
·  Strengthening Your Post- Secondary Education Training-By Scott Emerick

Construction

·How to keep all students engaged on the work site (especially in light of reduced stipends)-By Dennis Mihaly and Harold Denfeld
·Weatherization-By Gloria Williams- Direcor of YouthBuild New Bedford

Support Services

·Healthy Nutrition- By Robin DeCiero UMass Extension programs
·Record Keeping Without Driving you Crazy-By Erin Rodriguez
·Building an Employer Network-By Mary McRae

Management

·How to Effectively Deal with DYS/Court Involved Youth-By Elizabeth Seigle- Program Manager at YouthBuild Boston
·Engaging Staff for High Outcomes-By Terry Moran Coalition Director
·YouthBuild as a Charter School: What Does it Mean to the Program-By Phil Matero, California YouthBuild Charter School (via Skype)

In the last few months the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition has partnered with Stone Soup, a community center that suffered a severe electrical fire in March 2009. Their new home is located at 4 King Street in Worcester Massachusetts. This Community Center not only serves as a space for groups to hold meetings, events, and host activities, it also plays a vital role in the community. TRA YouthBuild Worcester and other community organizations have contributed to the renovation of the space. Volunteering community service, TRA YouthBuild Worcester students participated in a several week intense demolition phase and fire debris cleanup.

The students have demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and team work. Having the opportunity to volunteer service has provided our youth with hands on training and exposure to the carpenters union. TRA YouthBuild students are able to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real life situations. Everyday supervisors and staff are a witness to how motivated the students are and the progress they are making. Empowering today’s youth is a key element of YouthBuild’s mission and working on project like Stone Soup is one way to accomplish their dreams. 

Although there is still more to go you will see on our home page a sneak peak of the before restoration and complete vision of the finished structure. There will also be photos of TRA YouthBuild Worcester Students: Terrell Taylor, Joel Ventura, Marques Laura, and Kyle Kozlowski working on landscaping and damaged sections of the house. For more information on Stone Soup feel free to visit their website at http://www.stonesoupworcester.org/