Graduation 2013 – It’s been a great school year!
60 graduates! 52,500 volunteer hours served!
$140,000 in scholarships and AmeriCorps education awards!
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- Vince Young will be keynote speaker for 2013 graduation
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- Students improved our parks and preserves
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- Young people making a difference
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- Learning construction skills
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- Applying classroom lessons to hands-on projects
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- Students have worked in some beautiful places
How Victor Rewrote His Life…
Victor has only been at American YouthWorks a short time, but has accomplished more in his four months here than he would have in a year at a conventional high school. You see, Victor had attended six high schools and faced challenges in his life that caused him to fall behind in his classes and, at age 17, he dropped out.
During his time out of school, Victor installed roofs andworked in the oil fields. His dad told Victor that he should finish high school and his supervisor at work encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity to build a better life. At first, Victor didn’t listen. Then something clicked in him and he decided to enroll with us. He just didn’t feel right without a diploma and he wanted something better for himself. Victor knew that other schools wouldn’t take him, he said, “American YouthWorks was my last chance.”
Thanks to his motivation and our self paced courses, he was able to quickly get back on track and make up his credits. He will walk across the stage this June. Now he feels hopeful. Victor says, “Anybody can do it if they put their mind to it. Anyone can come back from a fall.”
About our Keynote Speaker, Vince Young
Victor’s sentiment fits right in with the theme of this year’s graduation, “Rewriting Your Life.” We’re thrilled to announce NFL and college football star Vince Young will share his perspective on the importance of education and challenge the students to continue their upward momentum after high school. He is someone our students can look up to, but not just for his success on the field. His accomplishments are all the more incredible in light of his start in life. He grew up in a rough-n-tumble neighborhood, just like many of our students, of Hiram Clarke (in Houston, Texas), where he was chiefly raised by his beloved grandmother and mother (Vince wears the number 10 as a respectful nod to his mom’s birthday, June 10). Also, like every single student at American YouthWorks, Vince is actively involved in giving back to the community. Specifically, he focuses on developing the future generation of leaders through the Vince Young Foundation. The Foundation focuses on helping students “Rock Their Future” by providing scholarships, mentorships, and leadership camps and programs.
You’re Invited!
It’s been a great school year! On June 15, 60 students will walk across the stage, graduating from high school with job skills and money for college. Members of the public are invited to share in the success of our students at Graduation Day. June 15, at 11:00 AM at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium, 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705.
In response to a growing need for job training in home improvement and weatherization, American YouthWorks (AYW) developed its Clean Energy Service Corps that includes high school, GED and college students. The participants simultaneously learn job skills and help low income Austinites save money and remain in their homes. AYW staff members train and supervise the students. Since 1994, AYW has been teaching youth to build energy efficient homes from the foundation to the roof; incorporating home repair and weatherization was a natural expansion. This training is made possible by funding from a Wal-Mart grant, donations from individuals and a partnership with the City of Austin.
