Empowering Young People to Build Their Future
YouthBuild of Greater Lowell (YBL) is a comprehensive workforce development program serving young adults ages 16 to 24 in the Greater Lowell area. We provide an opportunity to help youth reconnect with their education, develop vocational skills, and build a pathway to a successful future.
YBL is designed for those ready to take a second chance—and make it count. Through a supportive and structured environment, participants identify their career and educational goals, then receive the tools and guidance needed to achieve them.
What We Offer
All YouthBuild students have access to our core program services, including:
- High School Equivalency preparation and academic support
- Career readiness training and job placement assistance
- Hands-on Construction and Culinary Arts Training
- Case management and support services
- Post-secondary education and transition planning
Each participant works closely with a case manager to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP) tailored to their unique interests, needs, and goals.
Leadership & Community Impact
Leadership development is a cornerstone of our program. Students gain real-world experience by:
- Building affordable housing
- Participating in community service projects
- Advocating for change on issues that impact their neighborhoods
- Serving on the YouthBuild Policy Committee to help shape program decisions
By the time they graduate, YouthBuild students have the skills, confidence, and leadership experience to succeed in the workplace—and in life.
Building Careers While Building Community
YouthBuild of Greater Lowell offers a comprehensive and hands-on Carpentry and Construction program designed to equip students with the skills, experience, and certifications needed to launch successful careers in the construction trades. As part of the program, students actively contribute to the community by building affordable housing throughout the greater Lowell area, gaining valuable real-world experience while making a tangible impact.
Industry Certifications
Students begin by earning key credentials that set them apart in the job market, including:
- OSHA-10 for Construction
- NCCER- National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Basic Site Safety
- Core Construction- This foundational credential consists of nine rigorous modules, blending theoretical knowledge and hands-on assessments. Topics include construction math, proper use of hand and power tools, materials handling, and an introduction to career pathways in the construction industry.
- Your Role in the Green Environment
- OSHA-30 (advanced participation required)
Real World Experience and Community Impact
Students are immersed in a real-life job site environment, where they learn through doing—developing both technical and professional skills. The program emphasizes stackable credentials, ensuring that each student progresses through recognized certifications that enhance their employability and career mobility.
To broaden student experiences and connect them with real-world projects. These partnerships provide students with diverse and meaningful opportunities to apply their skills, network with professionals, and explore different aspects of the construction and nonprofit sectors. YouthBuild partners with a variety of local organizations and community partners, including:
- Lowell Habitat for Humanity
- Lowell Alliance
- Challenges Unlimited at Ironstone Farms
- City of Lowell DPW
- City of Lowell, C.A.S.E.
- And Many More
YouthBuild of Greater Lowell’s Carpentry and Construction program not only prepares students for employment—it empowers them to build a future for themselves while helping to build stronger communities.
For additional information about our construction program or to partner with YBL Construction on a community project: Contact Construction Supervisor Chrissy Shanahan
- Class of 2019 building a shed for a CTI Raffle winner in Hampton Beach
- Student Senior Project, Class of 2024
- Habitat for Humanity, Community Service, Class of 2022
- Community Clean- Up Franklin Court Community Garden, Class of 2022
- NCCER Ladder Training, Class of 2024
- Habitat for Humanity, Community Service, Class of 2021
- Community Service, Rebuilding Softball Fields at Mc Phearson Park, Class of 2025
- Collaboration with C.A.S.E City of Lowell, Miniature Art Galleries, Class of 2024
- Power Tool Training, Class of 2021
- Senior Project, Class of 2024
- Franklin Court Community Garden, Community Service Class of 2025
- Community Service, Rebuilding Softball Fields at Mc Phearson Park, Class of 2025
Construction OSHA-10 Certifications
NCCER Core Construction Certifications
Softball Dugouts Built at Lowell Community Parks
Habitat for Humanity Homes Constructed
Cubbies Built for Lowell Boys and Girls Club
Large Community Projects Built with the City of Lowell
Construction Community Service Hours
Preparing Young Chefs for a Future in Food Service
The YouthBuild Culinary Program offers hands-on, industry-relevant training that prepares young adults for successful careers in the food service industry. Under the guidance of our Executive Chef, students gain the skills, certifications, and real-world experience needed to thrive in professional kitchens.
Industry Certifications
Students begin by earning key credentials that set them apart in the job market, including:
- OSHA-10 for Culinary
- SERVSafe Manager Certification
- Allergen Awareness
- Restaurant Ready Certification (National Restaurant Association)
Real-World Experience
From day one, students apply what they learn by preparing daily lunches for their peers—gaining valuable experience in food prep, kitchen operations, and customer service. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, they also prepare meals for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping to fight food insecurity while developing a strong sense of purpose and community responsibility.
Internships & Career Mentorship
The program connects students with local restaurants and catering businesses for internships and job-shadowing opportunities, offering personalized mentorship from seasoned culinary professionals. Community Partnerships include:
- Saint Paul’s Soup Kitchen
- CTI’s MillYou Drop in Center
- Lowell Youth Leadership Program (LYLP)
- And Many More!
YBL Catering: Taking Skills to the Next Level
Students in good program standing may also work with YBL Catering, our for-profit catering initiative that operates after regular hours. Participants have catered private and public events across Greater Lowell and throughout Massachusetts—gaining advanced experience while earning extra income.
Interested in having your event catered or learning more?
Contact Executive Chef Anna Jabar for availability and details.
Catering or Community Service Inquiry
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- Chef Anna, Massachusetts State House Cater Event, Class of 2025
- Private Catering Event, Class of 2019
- Private Catering Event, Class of 2019
- Christmas Cookie Event, Class of 2021
- Massachusetts State House Catering Event, Class of 2025
- Catering, Class of 2019
- Catering Habitat Gala, Class of 2024
- Catering, Habitat Gala, Class of 2024
- Chef Jay, 2025
- Thanksgiving, Class of 2019
Culinary Arts OSHA-10 Certifications
SERVSafe Manager Certifications
Catering Events
Catered Meals Cooked and Served
Student Lunches Cooked and Served
Community Service Meals Cooked and Served
Culinary Arts Community Service Hours
Education and Life Skills at YBL
YouthBuild Lowell offers students the opportunity to earn their HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) diploma. This program is designed for individuals who did not complete traditional high school and provides a supportive path to academic success.
Students take one subject at a time—reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science—allowing them to build knowledge and confidence step by step. Instruction includes grammar, sentence structure, essay writing, reading comprehension, algebra, basic math, history, government, civics, and science. Hands-on experiments and interactive lessons deepen understanding and engagement.
One-on-one tutoring is available for all enrolled students and alumni to ensure ongoing academic support.
Real-World Learning and Application
Students are encouraged to apply what they learn through class discussions, current event analysis, and independent research projects. These activities help them build critical thinking skills and make meaningful connections between academics and real-life experiences.
Life Skills Training
In the afternoons, YouthBuild Lowell offers life skills workshops to support students’ personal and professional growth. These sessions are led by members of the Lowell community and cover practical topics that prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Topics include financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career development, mental health, stress management, wellness, and self-expression. Leadership development is also a core component, facilitated by the Case Management team.
Community Partnerships
YouthBuild Lowell partners with local organizations to enrich the student experience:
- Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese Speakers (MAPS): Guidance on health, education, and social services
- Jean D’Arc Credit Union: Financial education and money management
- CTI Entrepreneur: Business basics and career readiness
- My Beautiful Mind by Matthew Wolterding: Mental health awareness and creative expression
- YouthBuild Case Management Team: Leadership and personal development support
Preparing for the Future
Together, the academic and life skills components of YouthBuild Lowell provide students with the tools they need for success in education, employment, and their communities. The program builds a strong foundation for confident, capable, and engaged young adults.
- HiSET Graduate with HiSET Instructor Shaunna and Case Manager Janise, Class of 2025
- Students Attending the Coalition of Young Leaders with Case Manager Raf Cotto, Class of 2024
- YouthBuild Graduate Calvin Receiving the Spirit of YouthBuild Award, Graduation Class of 2024
Individual HiSET Tests Passed
Full HiSET Completions
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Eligibility Information
Community Teamwork’s YouthBuild is a program for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who have dropped out of school and are ready to embrace a second chance to receive educational and vocational training to achieve success. Available in Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Westford.
Contact Us
To learn more about this program, please contact us