Board hears proposal to pursue YouthBuild grant with nonprofit partner for construction and health-care pathways

Haywood County Schools heard a presentation about a potential partnership with a nonprofit (identified in the meeting as "Heights") that is applying for a federal YouthBuild grant. If the grant is awarded, participants would receive hands‑on job training in construction (in partnership with Habitat for Humanity) or health care (CNA training), and students would be placed in paid positions with local employers.

Staff explained the district's likely contributions if the grant is funded: possible in‑kind match such as classroom space, support from an existing construction teacher and limited oversight from the HCLC program coordinator. The district would return to the board at a later date to request formal approval to participate if the award is granted.

Why it matters: YouthBuild grants provide workforce training tied to employment and affordable-housing projects; participation could expand career pathways and paid work opportunities for out‑of‑school youth connected to the district's HCLC program.

Status and next steps: The board received information only; no formal approval was requested at this meeting. If Heights receives federal funding, staff indicated they would bring an action item to the board for formal participation approval.