Strengthening youtH.

Rebuilding communities.

about YBB

YouthBuild Boston (YBB) integrates construction, architecture, education, youth empowerment, and workforce development into an innovative approach to community building.

Through hands-on construction projects, tailored educational programs, and empowering mentorship, we cultivate the skills and confidence of young individuals, preparing them for meaningful careers and active participation in their communities.

By bridging the gap between learning and doing, we empower youth to build not only structures but also futures filled with opportunity and purpose.

Ready to learn more?

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Preparing you for a future in AEC.

YouthBuild Boston (YBB) offers exciting opportunities for young people in Boston and surrounding areas to explore careers in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Whether you're a high school student or young adult interested in the Building Trades, our intensive programs provide hands-on training and real-world experience through two comprehensive modules. For those passionate about architecture and design, we also offer after-school and summer programs that allow you to dive deeper into the design process and develop your skills in a creative, supportive environment.

Join YBB and start building your future today!

The six-month program supports individuals who have not completed high school, combining academic instruction for a diploma with vocational training in carpentry, life skills development, and industry certifications, while offering transition support for further education or training.

Stage One

The 10-12 week Stage 2 program for high school graduates builds advanced carpentry skills, exposes students to other trades, and provides certifications, job search training, and union placement assistance, ultimately helping graduates secure industry jobs or apprenticeships.

Stage Two

YBB’s Design Programs offer a 5-7 week after school or summer architecture and design program for high school students, particularly from under-resourced communities, where they learn design skills, explore its role in social change, and gain mentorship to prepare for academic and career opportunities in design and related fields.

design programs

Our Impact in FY24

149

92%

Students Served

People of Color

24%

87%

Women

Boston Residents

87%

19

Low Income

Average Age

83%

73

Program Completion

OSHA 10 Certificates

21

5+

H.S. Diplomas

Student Projects

30+

20+

Community Projects

Union Hall/Site Visits

OUR Alumni shaping the AEC industry.

  • “This experience enhanced my understanding of construction and blueprint interpretation, shaping my future in the industry."

    Keyshawn | Apprentice Carpenter

    ERise Builders

    YBB Graduate [Summer ‘23]

  • “I want to become an architect and design houses in the future. The Designery taught me that not just one architect designs a building.”

    Luanna | Design Intern

    Embarc Design Intern

    YBB Graduate [Summer ‘23]

  • “YBB introduced us to industry partners and inspiring people in the tradeS, the networking and skills put me in the position I’m in today.”

    Navahn | Field Intern

    Bridgeline Construction

    YBB Graduate [Summer ‘23]

Upcoming events

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Are you a Boston resident ages 18–24 interested in starting a career in the trades? YouthBuild Boston’s Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers industry credentials, hands-on carpentry experience, on-the-job training opportunities, a
This Earth Day 🌍, we’re proud to celebrate how young people at YouthBuild Boston are helping build a greener, more climate-resilient Boston. Climate action looks local, practical, and community led. It looks like cooling strategies to address
We’re honored to welcome Luciana Burdi, Chief Infrastructure Officer for Capital Programs at the Massachusetts Port Authority, for a special fireside chat at YouthBuild Boston’s BuildFest! At BuildFest, Luciana will lead a conversation o
We are so proud of our Spring Cohort Carpentry Pre-Apprentices and all the work you’ve put in. You’ve grown so much, and this is just the beginning. To our graduates, we’re grateful to be part of your journey and excited to see wha
YouthBuild Boston’s BuildFest is just around the corner! Meet the next generation breaking into the trades and hear from the leaders creating real opportunity alongside them. BuildFest brings together industry leaders, community partners, and
Excited to start sharing our alumni spotlight stories, starting with our 2025 Pre-apprenticeship Graduate, Verly! Verly began in the Designery and continued into our Carpentry Pre-apprenticeship program, showing up, staying focused, and putting in t
31 years of advocacy. One powerful mission. Mass Youth Build Coalition's 31st annual State House Day brought together young leaders, educators, and legislators united around the YouthBuild movement transforming lives through job training, education
BuildFest is more than a morning event, it’s a chance to invest in the next generation of builders and leaders. At YouthBuild Boston, young adults are gaining hands-on training, industry credentials, and the support they need to build careers
Excited to see National Association of Women in Construction continuing to create space for powerful conversations and real impact in our industry 👏 Join Session #4 of Voices of Change: Innovation, Engagement, and the Path to Generational Success o
Our Pre-apprentices had the opportunity to visit the Carpenters Center Boston Training Facility. Thank you to Nilson for leading an engaging tour and introducing our students to metal framing techniques!
Are you a Boston resident between the ages of 18–24 interested in starting a career in the trades?🔨 Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides participants with industry credentials, hands-on carpentry experience, and on-the-job training opportun
Our Pre-apprentices had the opportunity to team up with @mcdonaldelectricalcorp CWs for hands-on basic wiring activities where they rotated through six stations, learning and collaborating together! We’re so grateful to the McDonald Electrical

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS

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