Youth Leadership

Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) is currently developing a YouthBuild Program for Southeast Alaska.  This program is based on the nationwide YouthBuild model, a program where low-income young people ages 16 to 24 work full time for 6 to 24 months toward their GEDs or high school diplomas while learning job skills by building affordable housing in their communities.  Emphasis in these programs is placed on leadership development and community service.  By participating in the construction of low-income housing, these youth have the opportunity to produce a tangible result that directly impacts the communities in which they live.

CCTHITA’s program will provide up to 25 low-income and at-risk youth with academic and vocational training resulting in a construction skills credential and a high school diploma or GED.  Working with Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority and Hoonah Indian Association, participants would construct and renovate low-income housing in Craig and Hoonah.  These activities would provide hands-on experience that would augment participants’ work towards either a Green Building Practices Certificate or an Occupational Endorsement for Building Energy Retrofit Technicians through the University of Alaska Southeast.