A diverse group of young adults dressed in construction gear and hard hats hang from a newly constructed floor beam. They young people look happy and filled with pride because they are building an affordable home in their community.

Building Brighter

Futures Together

Next Mental Toughness orientation starts in May - Apply Today!

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Next Mental Toughness orientation starts in May - Apply Today! |

KWEST Inc. YouthBuild is a full-time leadership, education and job-training program for opportunity youth aged 16-24 who are living in Ulster County, NY and are ready to build a brighter future.

Because your goals, aspirations and dreams are real. They are important. And they are achievable.

Why YouthBuild?

An young African American man looks up with determination as he reaches above with a power drill to rebuild an elderly woman's front porch as part of community service. He wears a YouthBuild t-shirt.

Maybe the traditional school path is not for you and you’re looking for something more than a classroom. Maybe life obstacles have made it difficult for you to reach your full potential and you’re looking for support to get yourself back on track.

KWEST Inc. YouthBuild is an opportunity to gain the skills, education and confidence you need to take control of your future. Whether you’re facing challenges in life or dropped out of school, we’re here to help you rise above and succeed in achieving your goals.

Download the printable PROGRAM OVERVIEW TRI-FOLD

Grow Your Opportunities

A young light-skinned African American teenager poses in a red cap and gown with his high school diploma on a football field during a graduation ceremony looking at the camera with pride for his achievement and success at KWEST YouthBuild.

GED Preparation

Get a second chance at earning your diploma with smaller class sizes and a staff that cares about your needs. We provide individualized academic support to help you pass the GED exam.

A young white woman wearing a yellow hard hat and construction boots looks focused as she nails an electrical box to the inside of a wooden stud with a hammer in a newly constructed affordable home in her community.

Hands-On Training

Learn valuable, hands-on construction or advanced manufacturing skills with experienced trainers. We’ll teach you what employers are looking for and add industry credentials to your resume.

A young man smiles at the camera as he sits on the grass at a military bass in his US Army fatigues and boots. He graduated YouthBuild and was able to follow his dream to join the military.

Job Placement

Start preparing for today’s high paying jobs or continuing your education with one-on-one career guidance, resume building, interview practice, college visits, connections to employers and much more.

Download the Printable Program Model 1-Pager

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Earn While You Learn!

Our students earn a bi-weekly stipend while in program so they can cover everyday expenses and practice budgeting.

Realize Your Potential

A teenage student smiles as he makes eye contact and fist bumps his case manager who smiles back at him during a mental health class at the KWEST YouthBuild classroom.

Get the Support You Need

Turn your struggle into success. We offer case management and mental health services to help our students navigate personal challenges and address their emotional well being.

Two teenage students pass a heavy cardboard box filled with shelled walnuts to each other as they load a box truck with food donations for a local food pantry as part of community service.

Become a Leader & Serve

Every week our students engage in meaningful service projects and leadership activities so they can give back and inspire others in their communities.

Unlock Achievements

A young man with a tattoo on his arm and curly hair stands in front of a brick wall and smiles with pride as he looks at the camera and holds two certificates which demonstrate his proficiency at construction and power tool use.
A young woman with curly hair smiles and gives a thumbs up as she holds up a certificate demonstrating that she completed the OSHA safety training course.
A young woman with long black and pink braids and a tattoo on her arm smiles with pride as she holds up her brand new drivers license in the YouthBuild office wearing a YouthBuild t-shirt.

KWEST Inc. YouthBuild can help you increase your pay potential and expand your options. We will work with you to acquire resume building credentials and important documents:

  • OSHA 30-Hour Safety

  • CPR / AED & Narcan

  • HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training

  • NCCER

  • Drivers Permit / License

  • Tooling U Manufacturing

  • GED

  • Working Papers

  • And Much More!

Build Your Family

A diverse group of youthbuild students huddle in a circle facing each other as they reach into the circle and grasp each others hands in solidarity, teamwork and love.

At KWEST Inc. YouthBuild you’ll find a family that lifts you up and helps you become the best version of yourself. We’re not just here to teach you — we’re here to believe in you, encourage you and stand by your side.

What our students say…

  • “Some mistakes take us to the right place.”

    Jacob

  • “There is no high or low expectation, YouthBuild is just one big family who loves to see one prosper.”

    Makayla

  • “As a former student all I can say is this program changed my whole life for the better I don’t know where or who I would be without the help of YouthBuild.”

    Logan

See Us In Action

A young man wearing a black beanie and black hoody sits on the edge of a rock cliff facing the horizon while looking out at an amazing view of the hudson valley. The sun beams on his face and he looks contemplative as he considers his future.

Are You Ready to Level Up?

Joining KWEST Inc. YouthBuild is a commitment to personal transformation. This program is for those who are serious about making a positive change in their lives. If you are ready to accept the challenge to grow and embrace new opportunities, we are excited to meet you!

HOW TO JOIN 1-Pager

PRINTABLE 2025 APPLICATION

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