Drive through the blighted neighborhood of Ensley in Birmingham, Alabama on a school day and you’ll find children hard at work. They’re investing some serious sweat equity into their family’s future.
The unique Build Urban Prosperity (UP) Birmingham early-college workforce program starts in the ninth grade. Students in danger of dropping out learn how to renovate homes, train as construction workers, earn a monetary stipend while amassing job skills, and even get a chance for their families to live in one of the repaired homes once the student has been in the program for two years.
This huge consolation prize for continuing their schooling is an intentional way to address the problems students face at home.
Many students’ families struggle with hunger, housing insecurity, and job instability. By involving youth in finding one solution to these persistent systemic obstacles, Build UP instills real world skills and community pride.
“By the end of the program,” Fast Company reports, “after students finish their academic work and take one additional step – either getting a well-paid job in construction, transferring to get a bachelor’s degree, or starting their own business – they can get a no-interest loan to buy the house themselves.”
If we build a strong Black community through housing programs like Build UP Birmingham, we can empower and equip youth and communities to determine their own future.