The BUILD program is an intensive work program designed to help Native youth build work and life skills. The first 7 weeks consist of life skills and work readiness training. The participants are then placed into 9-week internships in the community.
When Cody* interviewed for the program, he discussed some of the struggles he had, such as dropping out of college and no significant work history. When staff informed Cody of an opportunity to get an internship, he expressed interest in working in the field of fine arts. Cody was then accepted into the BUILD program with a hope of personal and professional growth.
Cody had a rocky first 7 weeks. He struggled with tardiness had a lot of outside commitments that took him away from the program, but he tried to work the program to the best of his ability. Cody and the BUILD staff worked together to find an internship he would like. They looked for a Native-based program that would be willing to take him on and train him for a job.
Cody was placed into an internship at an art gallery where he flourished. His supervisor reported that his attendance was great and that he was excelling in the position. He told staff that he highly enjoyed the work and was very happy to have the opportunity. After his internship, staff and supervisors referred him to a local art gallery for a job, which he was hired for. Not only is Cody is making a living and enjoying what he does, but he has re-enrolled in college.
Through hard work and utilizing the resources available to him, Cody found success through the BUILD program at Takoda.
*The participant’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.
