Published: October 26, 2009 10:45 pm         

YouthBuild seeking applications

Community Development Support Association is accepting applications for youths interested in participating in employment and training programs under YouthBuild.

YouthBuild is a national community program for low-income youth. CDSA will provide educational services that will help prepare students to take the state’s high school diploma (GED) exam, as well as provide construction training and job skill development. Program participants will build leadership skills and participate in community service learning projects while working to develop quality low-income housing in neighborhoods around the Enid community.

CDSA is seeking youths 17 1⁄2 to 24 years old. The YouthBuild program will have a strong emphasis on serving at-risk youth, including foster children, high school drop-outs, teen parents and children of incarcerated parents.

“Interested youth may pick up an application at CDSA for YouthBuild,” said Tracey Polson, program coordinator. “We do have additional slots available and encourage young people to apply for the program.”

Interviews and processing of applications will be next week for classes to begin Nov. 2, Polson said.

“This is our last week to accept applications so anyone that doesn’t make this cycle will have to wait until the next cycle in September 2010 to apply,” she said.

Youths will be paid while they learn and will receive cash incentives when goals are attained.

The Department of Labor awarded approximately $ 144 million in funding across the country. CDSA was one of the 183 sites chosen as a YouthBuild program site.

Enid Community Learning Center, 2615 E. Randolph, will be the site of the YouthBuild academic program. Construction training will begin on a residential property donated to CDSA by American General Finance of Enid.

For information, call Polson at 242-6131.