WDB YouthBuild Grant Celebrates Student Achievements

By YouthBuild Case Manager Sarah Roby

We are excited to announce the completion of classes for YouthBuild, marking a significant milestone for our students. On December 18, 2025, we held a small Completion Ceremony to honor their hard work and accomplishments. While attendance was limited due to work and other commitments, the event was a meaningful opportunity to recognize their dedication and growth.

This cycle, 7 students earned their GED, and 2 students passed exams, bringing them closer to achieving theirs. In addition, our students gained valuable career skills:

• 52 students completed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10

• 9 students earned Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30

• 24 students completed National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certifications

The NCCER program offered hands-on training in construction safety, tool usage, measuring, and basic employability skills, helping students gain practical knowledge to succeed on construction sites and in future careers.

While it is bittersweet to see this group move on, we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished. We will continue to support them as they take the next steps in their education and careers. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated students, staff, and supporters who made this success possible.

Congratulations, students!

Congratulations, Madison County Working Solutions' Outreach Coordinator Donna Schaefer!

In December, Donna was inducted into the Job Corps Hall of Fame.

Madison County Workforce Development Supervisor Ellen Bowe said, "Donna Schaefer is an amazing employee! 

"Donna is someone who truly embodies the spirit of service, resilience, and unwavering positivity. She is more than just a team member—she is a force of nature. She is dedicated to helping the youth in our community, always going the extra mile to ensure every young person has a chance to succeed. Donna doesn’t just see barriers—she works tirelessly to break them down. Whether it’s access, opportunity, or support, she is always there, finding ways to make the impossible-possible.

"Donna can be a youth’s loudest or only cheerleader—lifting others up with encouragement, energy, and belief. Donna is a fighter—standing strong in the face of challenges, never backing down to solve the most impractical concerns and always expecting others to do what is right.

"We are so lucky to have Donna on our team. Her passion, drive, heart and red haired spunk make a difference every single day.

"Please join me in celebrating our amazing employee!"

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