Soar Academy Students Building A Home Through Federal Program

MACON, Georgia (KBTV) – Over 30 students at SOAR Academy will have the opportunity to build a home in Macon-Bibb though a federal program.

Through the YouthBuild program, a pre-apprenticeship program, youths between the ages of 16-24 can develop educational and occupational skills.

In February of 2019, SOAR Academy students were awarded with the YouthBuild grant, making the district one of two grantees in the state of Georgia to receive the grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Over 62 participants have enrolled in the program, and over 30 participants are active. Of the 30 active participants, many will be graduating with a high school diploma or GED by the end of the 2020-2021 scholastic year.

To date, several students have received their high school diplomas and are working toward securing job opportunities following their graduations.

“YouthBuild is an important program for students in Macon-Bibb County because it works to remove barriers that are often caused by socioeconomic status while giving them the tangible skills needed to live successful and meaningful lives,” Dr. Julia Daniely, Director of Personalized Learning & Alternative Education for the Bibb County School District, says.

“The YouthBuild partnership between Bibb County Schools and Macon Area Habitat for Humanity will provide lifechanging opportunities for so many in our community,” Ivey Hall, Executive Director of Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, adds. “A low-income family will have an opportunity to become homeowners, students will learn valuable skills in the high demand construction industry and have the hands-on experience to go with their work in the classroom, and revitalization efforts in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood will take another step forward. In the midst of such a difficult time, we are honored to be a part of something so positive for so many in Macon-Bibb County.”

The completion date for the construction project, in collaboration with Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is May 2021. The new construction home is located at 2070 Sycamore St., Macon, Georgia 31204.