What Is the Missouri YouthBuild Coalition?
A Statewide Network Working Together for Missouri Youth
The Missouri YouthBuild Coalition is a statewide network of YouthBuild programs collaborating to strengthen services for disengaged young people, share best practices, elevate the visibility of YouthBuild’s impact, and advocate for opportunity youth across Missouri.
Coalition members represent programs in regions including Columbia, St. Joseph, Joplin, and Cape Girardeau, with additional non-member coalition partners in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.
Together, the coalition coordinates training models, academic pathways, supportive services, and public engagement efforts that help young people reconnect with education and prepare for in-demand careers.
Collaborate
Sharing best practices, resources, and program models.
Advocate
Elevating youth voice and building awareness with policymakers.
Strengthen
Expanding capacity so more young people can access YouthBuild’s proven model.
Why YouthBuild Matters
Opportunity Youth Are Part of the Solution.
Across the country and around the world, many young people are out of school, out of work, and disconnected from the systems that could help them build a stable future. YouthBuild exists to meet these young people with opportunity, respect, high expectations, and support.
YouthBuild programs help young people reclaim their education, gain job skills and credentials, serve their communities, and grow as leaders. The model is built around education, career pathways, support services, leadership development, and alumni success.
- Over 340 YouthBuild programs in 7 countries
- Over 220,000 young people served worldwide
- 52.5M+ service hours dedicated to communities
- 36,250+ units of affordable housing and community assets built
- Approximately 14% to 15% of Missouri's teens and young adults (ages 16 to 24) are considered "disconnected" or disengaged—meaning they are neither employed nor enrolled in school or training. This roughly equates to over 70,000 to 80,000 young people across the state.
YouthBuild Programs Across Missouri
YouthBuild programs across Missouri serve young people in local communities while contributing to a statewide movement for education, workforce readiness, and leadership development.
Fund the Work
Support statewide coalition efforts and local program capacity.
Hire YouthBuild Graduates
Connect trained, motivated young people with career opportunities.
Partner On Training
Help align program pathways with Missouri workforce needs.
Advocate With Us
Support public policies and funding that expand access to YouthBuild.