In 2010, the graduation rate for Milwaukee Public Schools was only 54%, a staggering 20% below the national average. This and other factors contributed to the statistic from 2012 that Milwaukee’s youth unemployment rate is 10% greater than the rest of the nation. Clearly the issue needs to be addressed and that’s when MATC YouthBuild was formed.
MATC YouthBuild provides a positive construction career pathway for participants, guiding them through existing and emerging life obstacles, especially those complicated situations that arise with generational poverty. Low-income, at-risk youth and young adults will receive educational and occupational training that will result in family-sustaining employment.
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity has partnered with MATC Youth Build to give Milwaukee youth the opportunity to work side by side with construction professionals on Habitat build sites. Participants are taught basic framing and general construction skills while learning how to operate as team.
During Habitat for Humanity’s June Blitz Build Week, June 22nd-26th, MATC YouthBuild participants will work alongside construction professionals, community members, and Habitat partner families as they learn the career and life skills that will pave the way for their own futures. Habitat will add five owner-occupied houses to the 2100 and 2200 blocks of North 42nd Street during the Blitz with the help of over 100 volunteers from various organizations throughout the week.
MATC Youthbuild participants are helping build homes and stabilize communities through Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts. Habitat is concentrating its work in Washington Park to make significant, sustainable impact on the neighborhood’s housing conditions and property values.