NYCHA’s YouthBuild Builds Skills and a Path to the Future

When Nasir Hayes-Jones, 20, enrolled in NYCHA’s YouthBuild program, he expected to learn construction skills – but he didn’t realize he was joining a community of young people working together toward the same goal. 

“My favorite thing about YouthBuild was meeting new people and seeing people like myself trying to better their future,” Mr. Hayes-Jones said. 

Mr. Hayes-Jones, a Saratoga Village resident, was one of 26 participants in NYCHA’s second YouthBuild cohort who were recognized at a graduation ceremony held in June. Managed by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), under a U.S. Department of Labor grant, the six-month program provides young adults ages 17 to 24 with construction training, education, leadership development, career readiness, and paid work experience to prepare them for careers in the skilled trades and beyond. 

Throughout the program, participants received hands-on training in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, masonry, and other construction trades. The cohort renovated two affordable housing apartments in Brownsville, where they removed and replaced flooring, painted, installed plumbing fixtures, installed sinks and bathtubs, replaced hardware, and laid new flooring. In addition to the apartment renovations, the cohort completed a community service project in which they worked on renovating a community space over the course of eight weeks.  

These projects helped Mr. Hayes-Jones narrow in on his interests and his ambition to join a union in the future: “I’m really looking forward to plumbing, but I’m also open to carpentry; those were my two favorites of what we learned.” 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, NYCHA Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble commended the graduates for their hard work: “Over the last several months, this cohort has worked tirelessly to build not only construction skills and career readiness, but confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. The skills you gained through YouthBuild are important, but your resilience, determination, and ability to overcome adversity will carry you through life.” 

The ceremony also included a moment of remembrance for Quahmir Cruz, a member of the cohort whose untimely passing deeply affected the YouthBuild community. 

NYCHA’s YouthBuild partners are the Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC), which provided day-to-day support, case management, leadership development, and construction training through Genesus Construction; Brooklyn Public Library, which provided educational instruction and career development; Urban Strategies, which provided the affordable housing apartments for renovation; and the Public Housing Community Fund, which provided additional funding for the program. 

“Watching our Cohort 2 participants grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said REES Community Coordinator Timilehin Awonusi, who managed the YouthBuild program. “They faced challenges that tested their resilience, yet they continued to show up with determination, courage, and a commitment to building a better future. Their hard work, perseverance, and willingness to support one another embody the true spirit of YouthBuild. I have no doubt that the lessons they learned throughout this journey will continue to guide them long after graduation, and I am incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.” 

Though they have completed the program, the graduates will continue to receive support for 12 months, including job placement assistance and advanced training opportunities. 

For Mr. Hayes-Jones, YouthBuild has not only put him on a path to a career in construction but also showed him the importance of community. “This program should be continued and keep giving youth the opportunities to come together and do something bigger than themselves and something for their community.”