MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) — A second chance can make all the difference in the life of a young person.
For young people in Meridian who have left school, are struggling to find employment, or are facing other barriers to education and career opportunities, the Meridian Housing Authority YouthBuild Program is providing a pathway toward education, job training and self-sufficiency.
The federally funded, community-based program serves young people ages 16 to 24 who face barriers to education and employment. Participants work toward earning their High School Equivalency Diploma while gaining hands-on experience, learning an occupational skill and developing leadership and workplace skills.
According to Gretchen Luvene, YouthBuild Project Director with the Meridian Housing Authority, the program is designed to give young people an opportunity to move forward despite the challenges they may have faced.
“I want that person to feel that YouthBuild is a program that can help them get back on track. I want them to feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to know that they can get their education. It’s always more than one way to get to a destination.”
More Than Just a Classroom
YouthBuild is designed to provide much more than an opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
Participants receive education and occupational skills training while also gaining hands-on work experience and leadership development. They can learn construction skills while participating in projects that help rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families.
The program also provides job readiness, career exploration, job placement and career development services with the help of a Job Developer. Case Management services can include transportation, childcare, work clothing and assistance with other needs that could hinder a participant’s growth.
Luvene said the support provided by YouthBuild is one of the things that makes the program different from simply returning to school or pursuing a high school equivalency diploma independently.
“YouthBuild provide students with supportive and community services such as childcare assistance, dental care, stable housing, clothing for workforce placement, counseling to address issues compounded by life stressors, etc.”
Participants can also receive assistance with transportation and other needs that could otherwise create barriers to completing the program.
Learning Skills That Lead to Careers
YouthBuild participants receive training in a variety of construction and workplace skills, including carpentry, construction fundamentals, OSHA safety, personal protective equipment and workplace safety, hand and power tools, framing, drywall, painting, flooring, electrical and plumbing fundamentals, blueprint reading, material handling, construction site safety, worksite communication, construction math and employment-related soft skills.
Participants can earn an NCCER credential through the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
The training can prepare participants for careers in construction, carpentry, painting and electrical work, while also exposing them to other career fields such as healthcare, information technology, welding, HVAC, logistics and infrastructure.
Eligible students generally spend six to eight months, Monday through Friday, working toward their education, credential and leadership goals.
Support Extends Beyond Job Training
YouthBuild also focuses on preparing participants for life after the program.
Students receive instruction and assistance in areas such as communication, resume building, career planning, financial literacy, interviewing, problem-solving, accountability and time management.
Luvene said many participants enter the program without a clear career plan.
“The Case Manager meet with each student to assess career goals and interests before next steps are carried out.”
Community partners also play an important role. The program has worked with organizations including Citizen National Bank, WIN Job Center, Community Bank, Greater Meridian Health Clinic, Boyd Construction Company, Meridian Community College Adult Education Department, the MCC Workforce Development Center and Meridian Public School District.
These partnerships help connect participants with resources and opportunities as they prepare for employment, additional education and careers.
Participants Can Earn Up to $20,000
YouthBuild participants may also be eligible to receive a stipend through the Department of Labor-funded program.
The stipend is designed to encourage participants to remain committed to their education and training and complete the program.
Students must meet specific requirements, including maintaining satisfactory attendance, participating in required education and occupational skills training, completing assignments and competencies, and participating in required construction and worksite training.
Eligible participants can potentially earn up to $20,000 at the end of the program, depending on successful completion of program requirements.
Luvene said the stipend is intended to encourage students to stay committed to their goals.
A Program Built Around Second Chances
Since 2021, the Meridian Housing Authority YouthBuild Program has served approximately 90 at-risk young people between the ages of 16 and 24, according to Luvene.
Luvene said she has seen participants go on to become gainfully employed, earn multiple trade certificates and continue their education.
“I have seen at-risk participants become first generation college graduates; I have seen students become gainfully employed; I have seen students receive two or more trade certificates; I have seen students self-esteem soar to a level of confidence.”
Some former participants have even returned to recommend the program to friends and family members.
For Luvene, one of the most important messages YouthBuild can provide is that falling behind does not mean a young person has to give up on their future.
“I would let them know that it is never too late get an education and reach for their dream. We all have dreams especially young people. I would give them hope and let them know that there is a program designed specifically for young people who is seeking a second chance, a fresh start to start over.”
Applications Are Currently Open
The Meridian Housing Authority YouthBuild Program is currently accepting applications for its 2026 enrollment period, which runs through October 16, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2026.
A two-week, non-paid “Mental Toughness” orientation for prospective participants is scheduled for October 19 through October 30, 2026.
The program can serve up to 66 young people over the next two years.
To be eligible, applicants must generally be between 16 and 24 years old, face barriers to education or employment, meet the program’s income requirements and reside in the Meridian area within ZIP codes 39301, 39302, 39305 or 39307.
A young person can enter the program while they are 24 and may turn 25 while completing the program and remain eligible.
Young people who are struggling in traditional school but have not officially dropped out may also qualify if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Parents, guardians, teachers and other community members can refer a young person who they believe could benefit from YouthBuild.
Applications can be completed at the Meridian Housing Authority Central Office or through the Meridian Housing Authority website. For more information about the YouthBuild Program or to learn how to apply, call 601-693-4285.
Luvene said the ultimate goal is for every student who enters the program to leave with both an education and an employable skill that can help them become employed and self-sufficient.
“My hope is that each young person who has been impacted by YouthBuild become a productive citizen in the community.”
She also emphasized why programs such as YouthBuild are important to Meridian.
“Because we need a youth development program in the community that can offer a positive solution to our young people who face obstacles, challenges and barriers beyond what we can see. The Meridian Housing Authority YouthBuild Program provide students with a safe culture where they can soar and climb to greater heights.”
