YouthBuild Lake County

What YouthBuild Lake County does

YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 2004 and headquartered at 2527 Green Bay Road in North Chicago, Illinois, provides free education, vocational training, and supportive services to underserved young adults primarily ages 16-24 who lack a high school diploma, and to diploma-holding adults seeking skilled-trades careers. Its core technology is a workforce-development methodology that pairs an accredited online high school diploma (delivered through Penn Foster) with hands-on construction-trades training, employer work-experience placements, and an AmeriCorps service model that awards participants a $1,678 education award upon completion of 450 service hours. The organization operates three product lines: a 6-9 month YouthBuild Program, a 10-week Pre-Apprentice Program, and an 18-month Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship in Building and Facility Maintenance, all delivered through a 30,000-square-foot Career Training & Workforce Hub that opened in December 2025 with a planned 20,000-square-foot expansion by 2027.

YBLC's business model is grant- and donation-funded rather than fee-based. All participant programs are free, with primary operating revenue from a US Department of Labor YouthBuild Grant administered through AmeriCorps, Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship funding, and the Illinois State Board of Education, supplemented by corporate sponsorships (AbbVie Foundation, Steans Family Foundation, Northwestern Medicine, Old National Bank, W.W. Grainger), individual donations, and annual fundraising events such as the Spring Benefit (which raised over $350,000 in 2025). Go-to-market is community-led for participants (schools, probation officers, social services, referrals, digital channels) and employer-led for placement (dedicated Business Engagement Manager and Apprenticeship Coordinator cultivating construction, healthcare, automotive, and trades employers across Lake County). The organization has served over 1,000 youth since inception, delivers over 120,000 community service hours, and is affiliated with the broader YouthBuild USA/Global network of nearly 300 programs.

Name

YouthBuild Lake County

Legal name

YouthBuild Lake County Inc.

Website

https://youthbuildlakecounty.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Short description

YouthBuild Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in North Chicago, Illinois that provides free education, construction-trades training, and supportive services to underserved young adults ages 16-24 without high school diplomas, funded by US Department of Labor, AmeriCorps, Illinois Works, and corporate and individual donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

Keywords

• Workforce development training
• Construction trades education
• Youth apprenticeship programs
• Vocational skills training
• Alternative high school diploma

Headquarters

HQ city

North Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Primary funding stream includes a YouthBuild Grant from the US Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, administered through AmeriCorps. The Pre-Apprentice program is funded by Illinois Works. Additional support from Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
2. Charitable Donations & Sponsorships: Individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation grants form a significant revenue stream. Spring Benefit annual event raised over $350,000 in 2025. Diamond-level donors include AbbVie Foundation, Steans Family Foundation, Northwestern Medicine, Old National Bank, W.W. Grainger. The Transforming Futures Capital Campaign targets $9 million for facility expansion.
3. Participant Stipends (Cost Reimbursement): Participants receive stipends during program attendance, funded through program grants. These stipends are a program cost covered by grant funding, not a revenue stream for the organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

YouthBuild Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free education, job training, and support services to underserved young adults ages 16-24 in Lake County, Illinois. Participants earn an accredited high school diploma through Penn Foster while receiving construction trades training, industry-recognized credentials (OSHA 10, NCCER Core, CPR/First Aid), and AmeriCorps service membership. The organization also operates a Pre-Apprentice Program and a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program, complemented by comprehensive supportive services including mental health counseling, childcare, transportation, and legal aid.

Product overview

YouthBuild Lake County operates as a nonprofit workforce development organization offering three interconnected programs: the core YouthBuild Program for young adults ages 16-24 without a high school diploma, the Pre-Apprentice Program for diploma holders seeking construction careers, and the 18-month Registered Apprenticeship Program for adults seeking skilled trades qualifications. All programs provide free education, hands-on vocational training, industry-recognized credentials, and career placement support. Participants receive stipends during training and access to supportive services including mental health counseling, childcare assistance, and transportation support. The organization opened its permanent 30,000-square-foot Career Training & Workforce Hub in December 2025, with expansion planned for 2027.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• YouthBuild Program A free 6-9 month academic and construction trades program for young adults ages 16-24 who do not have a high school diploma. Participants earn their high school diploma through Penn Foster, gain construction skills and industry-recognized credentials, and receive career readiness training while earning a stipend. Includes AmeriCorps membership requiring 450 service hours to earn a $1,678 education award.
• Pre-Apprentice Program A free 10-week pre-apprenticeship program (280 hours) for individuals aged 18 or older who already have their high school diploma or equivalent. Provides hands-on construction training and industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10, NCCER Core, CPR/First Aid) with paid weekly stipend, designed to transition graduates into Department of Labor registered apprenticeships.
• Registered Apprenticeship Program An 18-month Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship in Building and Facility Maintenance providing paid, hands-on training combined with classroom instruction. Participants earn industry-recognized credentials including CAMT (Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician), HVAC Fundamentals, Plumbing Basics, and OSHA 30 Certification.
• Alumni Services Post-program support services for YouthBuild graduates including job listings, quarterly alumni networking events, mentorship opportunities, guest speaking engagements, and community service activities to keep alumni connected and advancing in their careers. Includes lifetime alumni support.
• Solar Panel Installation Training Training program in solar panel installation developed in partnership with ComEd, providing hands-on training in what is described as 'the fastest-growing job in the country.' Part of a 60-site, 44 MW community solar project across northern Illinois expected to create approximately 300 construction jobs with training programs for residents.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates earn starting salaries of $54,000 or more annually
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025YBLC partners with ComEd to train young people in solar panel installation as part of a 60-site, 44 MW community solar project across northern Illinois. YBLC participants gain hands-on training in what is described as 'the fastest-growing job in the country.' The project is expected to create approximately 300 construction jobs with training programs for residents.
• Penn FostercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYBLC partners with Penn Foster, an online nationally and regionally accredited high school, to provide participants the ability to earn their high school diploma at their own pace. Penn Foster offers general education courses and electives like automotive repair and art appreciation. Credits from previous high schools can be transferred in to accelerate graduation.
• Community Youth Network (CYN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYBLC partners with Community Youth Network (CYN) to provide personalized mental health and substance abuse counseling through dynamic group discussions for participants. This partnership addresses the emotional and psychological support needs of underserved youth.
• ServprocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServpro is a long-standing employer partner of YBLC. Owner Brad Cowell states that YBLC trainees are eager to work and come with positive attitudes and industry knowledge. Servpro actively recruits graduates who have completed the YouthBuild program.
• Blinderman Construction CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlinderman Construction is an enthusiastic employer-partner of YBLC for many years. CEO Steve Blinderman attests that YBLC hires are grateful and highly motivated, with many becoming permanent crew members. Alan, a Class of 2017 graduate, works as a Journeyman Union Carpenter for Blinderman.
• Old National BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOld National Bank is both a Diamond-level financial donor ($25,000+) and an active employer partner. The bank hosts mock interview sessions for YBLC participants and conducts community service days with participants (e.g., Lyons Wood Forest Preserve cleaning).
• DiscovercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiscover is a Platinum-level donor and corporate engagement partner. The company participates in corporate service projects with YBLC, including building a playground with Discover employees and participants working together.
• W.W. Grainger, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrainger is a Diamond-level donor ($25,000+) and active corporate partner. Grainger volunteers have made blankets for the homeless with YBLC participants. The Grainger Foundation is also a Bronze-level donor. Grainger's Bucket Build volunteers assembled over 4,000 disaster relief kits with YBLC support.
• Elevate Care WaukeganminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare employer partner where Marisol (Class of 2019) completed a CNA internship. Marisol went on to work at Lake County Health Department after graduating from State Career College's CNA program.
• CulliganminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer where Fernando (Class of 2020) works full-time as a material handler, using his forklift certification earned at YBLC. Fernando plans to use YBLC as a resource to enter a trades apprenticeship program.
• Adam's Auto Body ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive employer partner where Adrian (Class of 2019) completed an internship, was hired as a detailer within two weeks, and promoted to full-time mechanic.
• WKRS 1220 A.M. Radio StationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia employer partner where Jose (Class of 2019) completed a paid internship and was subsequently hired on as a part-time audio engineer.
• College of Lake CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYBLC has established connections with the College of Lake County for participants pursuing higher education after completing the program. Alumni including Jade and Jose are enrolled at the College of Lake County. Participants tour the College of Lake County as part of career exploration.
• State Career CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational school partner where alumni including Marisol (CNA program) and Alexa (medical assistant certification) pursue specialized career training after completing YBLC.
• YouthBuild Global / YouthBuild USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYBLC is affiliated with YouthBuild Global, the parent organization founded in 1978 by Dorothy Stoneman in East Harlem. Nearly 300 YouthBuild programs exist across the US and worldwide, having partnered with over 180,000 young people. YouthBuild Global provides the program model, brand, and network support. YouthBuild Global is also a Diamond-level donor.
• PGIMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPGIM is a Platinum-level donor and hosts Communications Workshops for YBLC participants tailored to modern job market demands, covering interview communication skills and digital interview conduct.
• Certified Auto BodyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive employer partner where participant Emilio completed a 3-week work experience and was hired full-time as a Collision Repair Specialist, demonstrating how work experiences lead to permanent employment.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC): Chicago-area nonprofit providing workforce training, primarily in manufacturing and skilled trades, to low-income adults and youth. Operates a registered apprenticeship program and employer partnerships directly comparable to YBLC's Pre-Apprentice and Registered Apprenticeship models in the same Chicago metropolitan labor market.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit serving young adults ages 18-24 from underserved communities with training, stipends, and corporate internships leading to living-wage jobs. Year Up's target population, income-share model, and employer-partnership-driven placement model directly parallel YBLC's youth workforce development approach.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and skilled trades training to underserved adults, with employer partnerships for job placement. Comparable to YBLC in mission, tuition-free model, wraparound support services, and emphasis on employer-driven training pathways for low-income learners.
• Central States SER: Workforce development nonprofit serving low-income communities in the Midwest with job training, placement, and supportive services. Comparable to YBLC in mission, target population, employer-partnership placement model, and reliance on federal workforce funding streams.
• Helmets to Hardhats: National nonprofit connecting transitioning military members and veterans to registered apprenticeship opportunities in the construction trades. Comparable to YBLC's construction-trades focus and registered apprenticeship pipeline for underserved populations, though serving a different target demographic.

Broad incumbents

• YouthBuild USA: National parent organization and network hub for nearly 300 YouthBuild affiliates. YBLC operates as an independent local affiliate under YouthBuild USA's brand, program model, and federal grant administration, making YouthBuild USA the closest comparable incumbent for benchmarking and replication strategy.
• Job Corps: Federally administered residential workforce development program for at-risk youth ages 16-24, offering education, vocational training, and supportive services at no cost. Job Corps is the closest large-scale federal incumbent to YBLC's YouthBuild model, sharing the out-of-school youth focus and construction trades training pathways.
• National Urban League Workforce Programs: National network of affiliates providing workforce development, education, and job placement services to underserved communities, including youth. Comparable broad incumbent offering a wider portfolio of programs but overlapping target populations and outcomes with YBLC.

Regional players

• Skills for Chicagoland's Future: Chicago-area nonprofit workforce intermediary connecting unemployed and underemployed job seekers to jobs through employer partnerships and training programs. Operates in the same metropolitan labor market as YBLC with a comparable employer-driven placement model for underserved populations.
• Chicago Urban League: Chicago-based affiliate of the National Urban League providing workforce development, education, and economic empowerment services to underserved communities. Comparable regional player addressing overlapping target populations and employment outcomes within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXaP_lBZyx8CpX9aL1bwbgg
• Facebookfacebook.com/youthbuildlakecounty
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/432640
• TikToktiktok.com/@youthbuild.lake.c

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YouthBuild Lake County