YouthBulid is a non-profit organization in the United States that provides young people the opportunity to learn construction skills job training. The students at the Venice, CA chapter assist in building affordable housing in their communities and volunteer their time to many local organizations.
Pictured is counselor Eva (left), she shows a video demonstration to students Gliaza (right) ,18, and Arturo (center), 19. The Demo shows how planting soil in pots can be transferred to the ground for further growth. (May 2015 | Venice, CA)
Arturo, 19, take a break from raking leaves at the Westminster Avenue Elementary School Garden. He along with a group of Venice YouthBulid students volunteer in the garden each month to help with maintenance and upkeep. (May 2015 | Venice, CA)
Amanda, 20, Grew up in Inglewood. She was expelled from school after being charged with felony vandalism. Here she volunteers at the Westminster Avenue Elementary School Garden along with the other students. (May 2015 | Venice, CA)
When asked about her (Amanda's) future she states, “I know I need to change and I know what I have to do to change, So why can't I... just do it like ... I’m not ready.” (May 2015 | Venice, CA)
Sam (left) works with an artist to create a self portraits using clay. The art will be displayed at a local gallery to showcase student work in the West LA community. (April 2015 | Venice, CA)
Gliaza,18, Came to the united states when she was 13 teen years old. She failed out school because she did not pass the English and history classes. She is not fluent in English so she struggled with learning the curriculum. She was able to pass math and science. (February 2015 | Venice, CA)
Gliaza is a dancer. She works at the Hollywood aerial arts school in exchange for free classes and studio time she uses to rehearse. (February 2015 | Venice, CA)
The young people in the Venice YouthBulid program are looking for that second chance. Most are pursuing their high school diplomas while some need guidance transitioning to adulthood. Each student has his/her own goals which will drive toward a successful future. All students are given a counselor to keep them on track academically and personally. Collectively the students provide a support system to one another helping them stay on track with their goals. (May 2015 | Venice, CA)
Johnny, 19, Grew up in Inglewood. He was expelled from school for possession of narcotics on school property. Having no prior incidents he was expelled immediately three months before his senior graduation. (April 2015 | Venice, CA)
He says he wants to be a history teacher. When asked where he see his his future he states, “ I want to teach uh...History, but in a different state. I never wanted to have to teach in an environment of violence… and in a different state i could be away for all this. History would be cool to teach because they would all know what I know. History doesn't change its universal.” (April 2015 | Venice, CA)
