Great Oaks Awarded $1.5M YouthBuild Grant to Empower Central Iowa Youth

December 17, 2024

Great Oaks High School & Career Center, managed by Oakmont Education, is thrilled to announce its selection as a recipient of a $1.5 million Department of Labor YouthBuild Grant. This major investment will provide transformative educational and workforce development opportunities for opportunity youth in Des Moines, Iowa.

Creating Pathways to Success

The YouthBuild program is designed to support students aged 17-21 who have previously left high school, offering a unique blend of education, job training, and leadership development. At Great Oaks, students can re-engage with their education while preparing for meaningful careers in high-demand industries, including construction and healthcare.

Participants in the construction pathway will gain hands-on experience by partnering with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing for low-income families. Meanwhile, the classroom component ensures students earn their high school diplomas, build leadership skills, and prepare for postsecondary opportunities like college, apprenticeships, and employment.

Removing Barriers to Success

Great Oaks understands that students face unique challenges. With the support of this grant, YouthBuild participants will receive essential wraparound services, including:

  • Transportation assistance
  • Childcare support
  • Healthcare referrals
  • Work attire and safety equipment

To ensure long-term success, graduates will benefit from a 12-month follow-up program, guiding them toward employment, apprenticeships, or further education.

A Collaborative Community Effort

This initiative will launch on February 1, 2025, in partnership with Iowa’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (IJAG) and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Together, these partners—under the name Coalition YouthBuild—will equip opportunity youth with the skills and confidence to thrive.

“By combining education, job training, and community service, we’re helping young people reclaim their futures,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, Vice President of Career Technical Education at Oakmont Education. “This grant empowers us to not only change lives but also strengthen the greater Des Moines community.”

Proven Success with YouthBuild

Great Oaks High School & Career Center joins Oakmont Education’s growing network of successful YouthBuild programs, including initiatives in Dayton, Columbus, and Akron, Ohio. This proven experience ensures the program’s success and impact in central Iowa. YouthBuild Dayton (which is a partner with Liberty High School) and YouthBuild Columbus Community School were also awarded the 2025 Department of Labor YouthBuild Grants.

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