Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium was filled with nerves and excitement last week as 64 students received their high school diplomas from our YouthBuild Charter School. Friends and family members gathered to celebrate the achievements of YouthBuild Charter School’s first graduating class. These students, once labeled high school dropouts, have beaten the odds and now can take pride in being a high school graduate.

The ceremony included inspirational words from Councilmember Cynthia Sterling and words of encouragement and advice from Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

YouthBuild Charter School of California partnered with EOC and Local Conservation Corps (LCC) in August 2009. Last April, the school joined LCC at the new Neighborhood Youth Center. Students ages 18-24 can now enroll in the school and can apply for concurrent enrollment for LCC’s vocational training program. Applications are now being accepted.