YouthBuild Evansville leaves lasting impact

Twenty-three students in the Evansville Housing Authority Youth Build program graduated on October 30, 2026.

In this graduating cohort, 9 individuals earned their High School Equivalency Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), 17 obtained an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 30 (OSHA 30) training, 18 earned a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification, and 20 got certified in CPR, Narcan administration, and First Aid. 

YouthBuild Evansville is a workforce development program that works with young people in the juvenile justice system, economically disadvantaged and foster care youth, and high school dropouts ages 16 to 24-providing more one-on-one support than traditional high school. 

Over a six-month span, students study basic school subjects and do vocational work two days a week. As an extra incentive, students are paid to work with Habitat for Humanity to learn professional and trade skills.

“Work [your] hardest, but don’t be scared, because it’s gonna build you into a better you,” was the advice Ky’Ris Thruston shared with his fellow graduates on Oct. 30 at the YouthBuild graduation.  

After struggling to adjust at Bosse High School, Thruston decided to enroll in YouthBuild. He was no stranger to the program because two of his eldest brothers attended, found success, and built strong careers after graduating. He felt that if they could do it, so could he. 

Thruston found that smaller class sizes, 1-on-1 mentorship, and learning about skilled labor were a much better fit for him than traditional schooling. He took time to praise his vocational instructor, Andy Hartmen, who helped him find his passion for writing and math. He said that at Bosse, he felt out of place, was easily distracted, and doubted himself most of the time. 

Through Youth Build, he found confidence and inspiration —enough to want to attend Ivy Tech to become an HVAC technician or work at Gribbins Insulation and Scaffolding. He was eager to graduate early at 16, earn his certifications, and join the workforce faster than many of his former peers expected. 

“The teachers and the staff made me feel comfortable,” he says. “They helped me realize that I can overcome my fear[s]… and be more confident in myself.”

Lea Sconiers, YouthBuild Evansville case manager, said Thurston especially stood out in the program and “flourished.” As a case manager, she helps students beyond the certifications, trying to provide essential items like clothes, food, and other resources. “Some have come to me saying they need clothes, or I’ve helped people find shelters; I help people with primary care physicians, food banks,” says Sconiers. She believes students have a higher chance of succeeding when they have the tools they need to build confidence.

Youth Build Evansville Program Manager Neena Dowdle tells reporters that enrollment and interest in the program have spiked over the years. While they see an increase in interest, Dowdle said one ongoing challenge they face is getting interested parties to complete an application. They serve the entire Evansville community; most applicants hail from the 47710, 47711, and 47713 zip codes. 

“While we receive a strong number of applications,” Dowdle said, “Approximately half of those applicants follow through with the enrollment process and begin the program.”

She said they aim to serve roughly 70 individuals over the next two years. She notes they aren’t recruiting for the sake of it; they are targeting people who express a strong will to get their lives on track and build a better future.  

The next cohort starts Monday, November 10, 2026. 

HERE’S A LIST OF ALL THE GRADUATES

High School Equivalency	CPR	OSHA 30	NCCER
Brayden Ward	Brayden Ward	Braeden Brinkman	Brayden Ward
Devin Vance	Conner Sutt	Brayden Ward	Devin Vance
Jacob Harte	Devin Vance	Conner Sutt	Jacob Harte
James Bocanegra	Jacob Harte	Devin Vance	James Bocanegra
Jaxon Marret	James Bocanegra	Jacob Harte	Jameson Meeks
Jayden LaForrest	Jaxon Marret	James Bocanegra	Jaxon Marret
Jayla Johnson	Jayden LaForrest	Jameson Meeks	Jayden LaForrest
Ka’Mari McNary	Jayla Johnson	Jayden LaForrest	Jayla Johnson
Ky’Ris Thruston	Jumareyan Johnson	Jayla Johnson	Jesse Woolems
	Jesse Woolems	Jumareyan Johnson	Jumareyan Johnson
	Ka’Mari McNary	Ka’Mari McNary	Ka’Mari McNary
	Koda Barrett	Khamden Moore	Koda Barrett
	Ky’Ris Thruston	Koda Barrett	Ky’Ris Thruston
	NaQwez Anderson	Ky’Ris Thruston	Nyeela Payne
	Nyeela Payne	Shawn Scott	Shawn Scott
	Quincy Martin	Shyann Stepro	Shyann Stepro
	Shawn Scott	TaRon Caldwell	TaRon Caldwell
	Shyann Stepro		Tomi Shaw
	TaRon Caldwell
	Tomi Shaw