More than five million Americans aged 16-24 are not in school or working.
These individuals deserve the chance to find work that is meaningful to them, but often they need someone to walk alongside them to help address the barriers that have held them back.
In Florida and Georgia, PROJECT BUILD is creating those opportunities for local youth — free of charge. The nonprofit recently celebrated the graduation of its first class in Atlanta, which included more than 40 learners. These young adults are now prepared to take on in-demand roles across construction and other skilled trade industries — sectors that have persistent talent gaps, but that offer real, sustainable career paths.
A Charles Koch Foundation (CKF) partner, PROJECT BUILD takes a holistic, human-centered approach to talent development, offering:
- Workforce development through industry-recognized certifications
- Real career placement support
- Mentoring to build mindset and self-awareness
- Financial literacy courses that teach the money skills students will need to thrive over the long-term
- Access to local agencies, businesses, and families that can help graduates learn and build careers that aligns with their aptitudes and desire to contribute
Four values guide PROJECT BUILD’s work: integrity, innovation, collaboration, and empathy.
“The most effective solutions grow from the bottom up — from the people who understand local challenges and the unique resources a community has to address those problems,” says CKF Vice President, Future of Work Laura Demarse. “PROJECT BUILD has brought community partners together to create a talent development program that helps young people find a paycheck and purpose. We are proud to partner with them and congratulate Atlanta’s first graduating class. They show what’s possible when we put human dignity at the center of the future of work.”
CKF has a vision for a society in which businesses succeed by creating the conditions necessary to empower employees and help them live lives of purpose and contribution.
Learn more about our efforts to redefine the Future of Work.