A Program of Settlement Housing Fund, Inc.
The DREAMS YouthBuild & Young Adult Training Program is an equal opportunity employer/program, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities
Mission Statement: “Helping young adults to become Dedicated, Responsible, Educated, Accountable, Motivated and Self-Sufficient.” To assist participants in obtaining their GED and full-time employment. To equip young adults with sufficient skills to compete in today’s job market. To encourage participants to further their education by obtaining degrees and certificates.
When Settlement Housing Fund, Inc. acquired two housing projects; The Dr. Betty Shabazz Complex & Medgar Evers Houses on Gates Avenue in Brooklyn, they noticed a large number of out of school youth in the surrounding area. Settlement Housing Fund created a community based educational program that would house the youth in the community and surrounding areas. The program was called (D.R.E.A.M.S) Dedicated, Responsible, Educated, Accountable, Motivated, and Self Sufficient.
February 2007, our first semester, 19 students entered the program. Of the 19, nine received their GED within a few months. Five of our nine initial graduates are enrolled in college.
Today we have over 50 students participating in our program. Our community based program has developed into what is now known as the DREAMS YouthBuild & Young Adult Training Program. In conjunction with the New York City Department of Education, we have created an alternative schooling system while providing young adults with the skills necessary to become Dedicated, Responsible, Educated, Accountable, Motivated, and Self-Sufficient.
The DREAMS YouthBuild & Young Adult Training Program offers GED and Pre-GED preparation classes to young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 (Participants age 17, must turn 18 within the school year). We assist participants with obtaining their GED and full-time employment. In our program young adults learn sufficient skills to compete in today’s job market.
Along with their studies, participants are responsible for forming a self-governing student council which establishes and enforces program structure, defines areas of responsibility, and elects student body officers. Policy Committee Officers develop student activities, and plan trips. The officers of the Policy Committee sit in on staff meetings, and serve as the voice of the student body. As a part of this student commitment, students have created their own pledge.
We the DREAMS students pledge to:
Turn our dreams into realities,
Never give up on our dream of getting a GED,
Respect our teachers and fellow classmates,
Never leave anyone behind, but never let anyone hold us back,
To conduct ourselves in a respectful manner,
To improve and rebuild our community.
The DREAMS YouthBuild Program provides vocational training to male and female youth. The program operates Monday to Friday from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. After the unpaid probation period, trainees receive an educational stipend during their construction training.
Leadership Development
Leadership development is changing the way young people see themselves. The DREAMS staff help trainees to recognize their innate knowledge and abilities- traits that in many cases have gone unrecognized. Under the DREAMS staff, participants are more willing to assume responsibility, and grow as leaders.
Counseling and Support Services
As a part of the DREAMS YouthBuild Program, participants receive counseling. Each participant is assigned to a counselor. Other services provided to participants are counseling sessions, peer support groups, and post graduate follow-up.
Vocational Training
The YouthBuild Program takes great pride in the renovations and rehabilitation of multi-family, low income- affordable housing complexes. Our on-site training is designed to provide participants with authentic skills necessary to work in the construction field. Our focus is to provide all participants with the opportunity to learn new skills experientially and in depth. Working in crews, participants’ work on facilities under the supervision of a licensed trade instructor.
Job Placement and Post-Graduate Follow-Up
The DREAMS YouthBuild Program has a proven record of accomplishment for placing graduates into well-paying, career-oriented jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families. Once the students have identified their interest as well as their short and long-term career goals, the staff then matches the participants’ skills and interest with available job opportunities. Our job developer assists participants in writing résumés and preparation for job interviews. In addition, the students are assisted in enrolling in training and post-secondary education.
Mental Toughness
Each participant must attend a week of Mental Toughness. That week is dedicated to mastering the YouthBuild concept of being mentally tough. During this time participants will learn how to overcome any negative pressures in their lives by taking control of their fears, building upon their strengths, and developing their positive mental attitude to “tough out” and overcome negative behaviors and circumstance.
Program Eligibility
Be 17- 24 years of age
***Participants age 17, must turn 18 within the school year
Not have completed High School
Live in a low-income household
Admissions & Enrollment
Applicants must be between the ages 17-24 to apply. For more information about to program or to apply please call 718.455.4308, or walk in to our office at 1615 St. John's Place, Brooklyn NY 11233. All participants must bring in a copy of their High School Transcript, Photo ID, Social Security Card, Working Papers (Under 18 only), Birth Certificate, Citizenship Status, Immunization Records, Proof of Address, and Proof of Income.
