Empowering Youth • Rebuilding Communities
Liberating the Positive Energy of Young People
Young people in the Quad Cities deserve the opportunity to rebuild their neighborhoods and their lives. We make that possible.
30+
Years Empowering Youth
(Our Philosophy)
Why YouthBuild Exists
“The positive energy and intelligence of young people need to be liberated and enlisted in solving the problems facing our society. Young people in poor communities want to rebuild their neighborhoods and their lives, and will do so if given the opportunity.”
The desire to serve, to do meaningful work which is of value to other people, is universal. Community-based organizations need to be given the resources to solve local problems and to mobilize local people, including neighborhood youth.
Leadership development is a central element of effective community development and youth service — and it's at the heart of everything we do.
— YouthBuild Coalition Statement of Philosophy
What We Do
Our Programs
Comprehensive programs designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Leadership Development
Building the next generation of community leaders through mentorship, civic engagement, public speaking, and hands-on project leadership that makes a real difference.
Learn MoreConstruction Training
Hands-on vocational training in construction and renovation, giving young people industry-recognized certifications and the skills to build sustainable career pathways.
Learn MoreCommunity Service
Channeling youth energy into transformative service projects that revitalize neighborhoods, strengthen community bonds, and create lasting, visible impact for all residents.
Learn MoreOur Reach
Impact Across Communities
438+
Member Organizations
74.5K+
Youth Served
131+
Communities Transformed
13+
Years of Impact
The YouthBuild Network
Guided by Shared Values
With close to 1,000 member organizations across the country, the YouthBuild Coalition represents one of the most powerful networks for youth empowerment and community development in the United States.
In 1992, the YouthBuild Directors Council — composed of directors of the seven original YouthBuild programs — met with the president of YouthBuild USA and developed a unified mission statement that has guided every affiliated program since.
“Community-based organizations need to be given the resources to solve local problems and to mobilize local people, including neighborhood youth. Leadership development is a central element of effective community development and youth service.”
— YouthBuild Mission Statement, Reaffirmed by the Affiliated Network Policy Council
