At North High, one of the very purposes of the school counseling team is to ensure each student receives the equivalent of their high school diploma, to progress on in their lives to become productive members of their community. Sometimes this approach means that students complete an alternative track to their education through programs such as Youth-Build.

YouthBuild is designed to provide low-income, out-of-school youth, aged 16-24 with an opportunity to transform their lives and become contributing partners in the community. Participants receive on-the-job, hands-on, construction skills training utilizing an actual housing rehabilitation project or new construction site in the community that helps to create quality low-income housing. Additionally, participants receive Home Building Institute (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) and OSHA certification training. Participants also receive High School Equivalency Test (HiSET/GED) preparation; leadership skills development – including community service projects; counseling and support services; life, financial literacy and job readiness training, as well as assistance with job placement and transition to higher education opportunities.

In addition to the Construction/ Building Trades track outlined above, TRA-Worcester YouthBuild offers a Nurse Assistant/ Home Health Aide Training track where young people earn their state certifications through a partnership with the American Red Cross.