YouthBuild preparing for summer program that helps more than 2,000 kids find jobs in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kareem Aljubri was convicted of armed robbery at 17 years old in Louisville and was headed down a dangerous path, but a youth program open his eyes, taught him to think about college and learn new skills to prepare for the future.

Aljubri said trouble comes with a lot of consequences. Those consequences led him to sitting in a jail cell as a teenager.

A judge ordered him to enter a jobs program and get his high school diploma, or else he would be headed back to jail.

Aljubri opted to take the brighter path and is now a daily fixture at YouthBuild.

"Having somewhere to be every day, when you don't have nowhere to be, you have trouble to go to," Aljubri said.

While he came into the program somewhat unwillingly, Aljubri's success is part of the positive side of statistics.

YouthBuild Louisville provides education, job training and leadership programs to low-income young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. The hope is to inspire students to "reach lifelong success as they become strong, confident young adults with a commitment to work, education, family and community."

Steve James, Summer Works director for YouthBuild, runs the summer jobs program for Louisville.

"Louisville led the national average in terms of employed youth and part of that is attributed to Summer Works," James said.

Employers like GE Appliances participate in the program as James and his staff teach the soft skills needed to get a job.

"We are in a full employment economy so any youth can walk up and apply for a job," James said.

James and his staff scour high schools for motivated kids that need a door opened. Last year, 50 nonprofit and public sector organizations hired hundreds of children from west, south and central Louisville.

The nonprofit program helps with resumes, makes calls to human resources and teaches important skills.

"Look them in the eye, shake their hand with a firm hand shake," James said.

Aljubri, 22, plans to attend college, a first for his family.

"I'm the smartest guy in the world," Aljubri said.

YouthBuild has room for around 2,500 to 3,000 kids every year, but they work to find space for every kid that walks through the door.

It also works to help those young adults complete their GEDs. It's currently enrolling for the next program. More information can be found by clicking here.

To learn more about Youthbuild, click here.

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