Project YouthBuild hosts Class of 2023 graduation

Press release from Project YouthBuild

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday, May 23, Project YouthBuild hosted its Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony took place at the University of Florida’s Straughn Professional Development Center.

Twenty-one young people participated in the ceremony. Donniya Garrison was given the Youth Scholar Award; Rickey Burton Jr. and Elizabeth Vamosi were given the Beyond Builder Award; Coddy Gales was given the Jamie Patanjo Perseverance Award; and Donnari Garrison was given the Community Impact and Leadership Award. Bread of the Mighty and Working Food were each awarded Community Partner of the Year. Graduate Donniya Garrison delivered an encouraging and inspirational speech titled “Celebrating Our Accomplishments.” Gainesville Police Department’s Lieutenant Marquitta Brown addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker, encouraging students to remain true to themselves in their future endeavors.

Class of 2023 Accomplishments

• 4 Honors Graduates
• 21 Gold Presidential Service Volunteer Awards
• 18 National Center for Construction Education & Research Core Certifications
• 21 OSHA-10 Certifications
• 5 Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications
• +11,000 hours volunteering at local non-profit organizations
• 2 Affordable Housing Unit Renovations
• +$30,000 in Post-Secondary Scholarships
• 100% of graduates employed and/or enrolled in post-secondary education

“The Class of 2023 was a tremendous group of young people, and we are truly excited to see all they accomplish in the future,” said Jonathan Leslie, Project YouthBuild Executive Director.

About Project YouthBuild

Established in 2009 and funded through a grant directly from the U.S. Department of Labor, Project YouthBuild is a 9-month educational, occupational, leadership, and pre-apprenticeship program for young people ages 16 – 24 who have a low income and have dropped out of school. While enrolled in Project YouthBuild, young people have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma, nationally recognized construction and healthcare credentials, and an education award to be used for post-secondary education or trade school. Young people participate in a rigorous leadership program, helping prepare them for civic engagement and employment. Lastly, young people spend nearly half of their time completing hands-on training by renovating affordable housing in the local community.