Build Belonging for Youth like Bella this Year-End

“My own loneliness was only soothed when I stepped foot on the shop floor. The instructors carried my hope for me, and the instructors continue to do the same thing for other youth every single day.” - Bella

Build Belonging for Youth Like Bella

Your support empowers youth like Bella to find success they never knew possible. 

Urban Boatbuilders has had an inspiring year of witnessing youth apprentices seek and find direction, opportunity, and belonging. Across both the apprenticeship and partnership programs, young people are welcomed into safe environments where instructors and mentors guide their learning as they gain technical and transferable “STEM” skills, build confidence, and uncover the potential within themselves while seeing the joy of their projects come to life.

For many, Urban Boatbuilders is the first place where young people realize that their ideas matter, that their voices are heard, and that they have unique gifts to share. Our work is more than building boats, kayaks, longboards, or even cajóns–we are building belonging and launching lives; you are our partner in this work. 

Education is the primary and most consistent driver of sustained upward mobility; many youth in Urban Boatbuilders’ programs face barriers to education and workforce training.

With 94% of all apprentices completing our training program, 98% of graduates are furthering their education or career training, breaking cycles of generational poverty and beginning to secure meaningful and family-sustaining employment. 

As Bella, now an instructor with Urban Boatbuilders, reflected on her time as an apprentice:

“My biggest fear was whether I could overcome the feelings around and the barriers to starting a job. Once I realized other young people felt the same way, I no longer felt alone. We all supported each other, learned little and big things, and were never really stressed. I got comfortable at asking questions, trying new things, and asking for help. I have learned more than I ever thought I would, and have grown more than I ever expected.”

Your support and belief in young people’s potential make stories like Bella’s possible. Your gift will continue to provide safe and welcoming learning environments where young people can explore careers, grow in leadership, and, through skill development, build futures full of opportunity. Thank you for being a part of their journeys.

P.S. - Donors making their contribution to Urban Boatbuilders before December 31st will have their gifts matched, up to $12,500! Click the button below or visit bit.ly/building_belonging. Thank you for your generosity!

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