YouthBuild McLean County’s mission is to build, develop, inspire, and challenge educationally and economically disadvantaged youth, empowering them to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Rooted in the national YouthBuild movement that began in East Harlem in 1978, the program combines education, leadership training, and vocational skills to help young people transform both their futures and their neighborhoods. Established locally in 1994, YouthBuild McLean County has grown from offering GED preparation and construction training to operating as a charter school and private academy serving over 150 youth annually, now including career pathways in healthcare and IT. Through its comprehensive support—ranging from high school diplomas and industry-recognized certifications to AmeriCorps education awards and yearlong follow-up services—YouthBuild McLean County continues to create opportunities, cultivate future professionals, and instill hope for a better tomorrow.