YouthBuild Newark, Inc.

10/20/2026

We're so proud of Tajae Gilford-Rogers! He earned his construction and fiber optics certifications with us and is now studying cybersecurity at Essex County College.
"It's helped me build myself and motivate me to push forward," he says.

Read his story: https://www.youthbuildnewarknj.org/transformation/making-the-connection

09/16/2026

Terron Williams leads every conversation he facilitates by going first. He names his own experience before asking anyone else to name theirs.
Young people know it's much easier to open up when someone's already shown them it's safe to do so.

New Jersey Youth Voices Initiative, in collaboration with YouthBuild and our partner organizations like Hopeworks, creates spaces across the state where young people can share their experiences with youth disconnection and reach community leaders.

Read Terron's op-ed at www.youthbuildnewarknj.org/news/morethanourscars

A Camden youth facilitator on research, vulnerability, and helping other young people find their voices

09/09/2026

Before our students start the new school year, they build trust in each other. Last week kicked off Mental Toughness, the orientation every new YouthBuild cohort goes through to get grounded in who we are and what we stand for.

One of last week's activities was the Magic Carpet: one tarp, one team, one rule, flip it over without anyone stepping in the "lava." It's harder than it sounds, and it only works when everyone communicates and looks out for the person next to them.

This week, our new cohort keeps building on that trust, teamwork, and the expectations they're setting for themselves and each other 🧡

08/20/2026

Our students have spent over twenty years building relationships with PGIM, from mock interviews to a case study competition, a fully stocked professional attire closet to the pearl-and-tie ceremony.

This partnership has given our young people a chance to see themselves in rooms they hadn't imagined yet. We're proud to share the full story of how it started and where it's headed next.
www.youthbuildnewarknj.org/transformation/invested-in-newark

08/20/2026

At YouthBuild Newark, we're not asking students to leave who they are at the door. We're helping them build on it with a trade, a credential, and a plan for what's next.

You already have what it takes. We're just here to help you refine it 🛠️

08/06/2026

Our latest cohort of solar panel installation trainees spent the week on a live job site, putting weeks of classroom learning into practice alongside our national partner, Step-Up Solar.
It was hot outside, and yet our young people pushed through, working as a team to plan, coordinate, and execute the job from start to finish.
By the end of the week, every one of them earned their certification. Building a career in green energy means sustainable skills, strong teamwork, and resilience that carry them forward.
solar

07/15/2026

Newark EMS Corps Cohort 4 applications are now open!

We train young people ages 18-26 for careers in emergency medicine: work that is in demand, sustainable, and makes a direct impact on the lives of people in this community. If you've been thinking about a career that actually means something, this is your sign to apply.

Visit our application portal at newarkemscorps.org.

07/13/2026

Our Solar Installation cohort is putting in the classroom work before they hit the job site. This week: design, engineering, and measurement. Next up: the real thing. Stay tuned. 🌞

06/18/2026

LEAD Class of 2024 graduate Adiya Muftawu is a union carpenter who found her footing and is building the future she almost gave up on. Read about her journey into a life where she’s thriving:
🔗 https://www.youthbuildnewarknj.org/transformation/a-strong-foundation-1
[LINK IN BIO]

05/20/2026

Back to the NJ statehouse this week.

Our Youth Policy Council is heading back to Trenton to tour the building, meet with legislators, and learn how state government works up close. The Youth Policy Council brings together elected youth representatives, staff, and program leadership to shape the direction of our policy work together.

Check out these highlights from our last visit!