Medici Road YouthBuild

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, this program focuses on providing D.C. youths from disinvested neighborhoods with incentivized personal and professional development through educational support, construction training, leadership development, and apprenticeship or employment opportunities.

Our goal is to use culturally appropriate approaches to empower young people with the tools to improve their outcomes and pursue successful careers in construction and beyond.

Are you the one?

We are looking for 16–24-year-olds willing to commit to completing the program and are interested in:

Leadership opportunities
Construction training for industry-recognized credentials
Hands-on experience on construction sites in Wards 7 and 8
Education leading to a high school diploma or equivalent
Personalized goal setting to jumpstart a career
Community service projects
Post-secondary education or job placement

Under a clear sky, YouthBuild participants in safety vests and helmets skillfully adjust a ladder against the building on Medici Road. - Medici Road

Two people work on assembling a wooden box, embodying the collaborative spirit of YouthBuild. One uses a hammer while the other holds the box steady. Both wear safety glasses. Nearby, tools and a colorful bag underscore the vibrant atmosphere of this hands-on project. - Medici Road

What do you gain?

A stipend while acquiring new skills.
OSHA 10 and NCCER certifications
GED/high school diploma
Wrap-around services with intuitive support from a case manager
Job experience in the construction industry
Internships and apprenticeship with leading industry experts

What do you have to do?

Between 2023 and 2026, at least 65 youths will have gone through this Program life cycle.

The Medici Road YouthBuild Program is flexible and allows you to make choices best suited for your own growth.

Flowchart illustrating the YouthBuild program process by Medici Road: interest form, application, info session, two-week orientation, 8 months of training, 12 months of placement, and graduation. Arrows connect the steps in a seamless circle. - Medici Road

See more photos

Don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself!

“In my first week at YouthBuild, I was overwhelmed. One day, I was struggling to read, and frustration kicked in. But instead of giving up, I asked for help from my peers and staff. They patiently guided me through it. That moment taught me that it’s okay to struggle; what matters is how you face it. I realized I’m not alone; I have a whole community here to support me.” -Nicholas M

-Nicholas M, Medici Road YouthBuild Participant

“During my second week, I faced a setback. I didn’t do as well as I hoped on a project, and it hit my confidence hard. But I remembered what my mentor said: ‘Every setback is a setup for a comeback.”
-Lawrease J, Medici Road YouthBuild Participant

Get Involved

Here are 3 ways YOU can be part of investing in disadvantaged communities, contributing to equitable outcomes and changing the narratives about youths from low-income neighborhoods

Partner

Volunteer

Feature Us

A team of dedicated construction workers, proudly donning hard hats, safety glasses, and yellow vests, poses for a photo on a bustling Medici Road building site. - Medici Road

Updates

Find the latest information about the Medici Road YouthBuild Program here!

Come Check Us Out!

Learn more about the Program directly from our Medici Road YouthBuild team through our weekly drop-ins sessions taking place between 10am and 12pm every Friday!

Active Programming

Cohort 3 September 2024 – April 2025
Cohort 4 November 2024 – June 2025
Cohort 5 March 2025 – September 2025