ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Hood Huggers Foundation is seeking to raise awareness about YouthBuild CORE-2, a free workforce and education program designed to help young people ages 16 to 24 build pathways to long-term success.

The program serves youth who have dropped out of high school and face barriers to education or employment, including those from low-income households, foster care, the juvenile justice system or migrant families, as well as individuals living with disabilities or with incarcerated parents.

YouthBuild CORE-2 offers GED preparation, hands-on construction training, leadership development and individualized support from a case management team. Participants may also receive financial stipends while enrolled and are connected with real job opportunities that offer competitive starting wages.

Organizers say the program is aimed at preparing young people for careers in the skilled trades, a field that continues to see strong demand both nationally and globally. Many construction training pathways can be completed in as little as six to 24 months, providing access to stable, well-paying employment.

Cohorts for YouthBuild CORE-2 will begin throughout 2026, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot. The program is offered in both English and Spanish.

The program is implemented through a collaborative partnership between Hood Huggers Foundation, Land of Sky Regional Council, and Camp Grier’s WORX Project, with educational and vocational support provided by A-B Tech Community College and Literacy Together.

This project is funded in part (67 percent) by a $1,500,000 grant awarded to Land of Sky Regional Council under the YouthBuild Program from the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. The total cost of this project is $2,235,000, of which $735,000 (33 percent) will be supported by non-federal sources.

More information about YouthBuild CORE-2 is available through the Hood Huggers Foundation.