Gov. Deval Patrick cites state YouthBuild
chapters as leaders in green-collar training.

Roxbury, MA, May 6, 2008 – Gov. Deval Patrick spoke on Thursday before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, seeking support for his plan to boost the clean energy industry in Massachusetts. As a large portion of his plan focuses on strengthening the state’s economy and the creation of new green-collar jobs, Patrick touted the workforce development efforts of Massachusetts YouthBuild programs. “YouthBuild is including green building techniques in their training of at-risk youth in construction trades,” he said. “The clean energy sector in Massachusetts employs more than 14,000 people now, and is growing fast. Graduates of these programs will be in high demand.”

YouthBuild Boston is one of the state’s 11 YouthBuild chapters, which together comprise the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition. At YouthBuild Boston students work with a variety of green technologies, and are even building towards the U.S. Green Building Council’s coveted LEED® Platinum certification on a two-family home in Dorchester. Students on YouthBuild Boston’s current projects will install a co-generation heating system and photovoltaic panels—two applications of state-of-the-art clean energy production. They also use structural insulated panels, an insulated concrete foundation, windows with a low U-value, and other energy efficient materials. Projects incorporate a host of recycled and sustainable materials, and one current project will have a green roof.

Ken Smith, YouthBuild Boston’s Executive Director responded to Gov. Patrick’s speech. “For years we have been pushing our programs towards emerging technologies,” he stated. “We are preparing young people for careers in the building trades—it’s our responsibility to help them develop skills that are in demand.”

About YouthBuild Boston
YouthBuild Boston improves opportunities for underserved urban youth by teaching them academic and vocational skills to support themselves so they can bring about positive, lasting change in their communities.

YouthBuild Boston media contact:
Andrew Padilla
617.445.8887 x15
apadilla@ybboston.org