Chippewa Fresh Start

Chippewa Fresh Start provides education, employment skills and career direction for young adults by involving them in the construction of a new house. When completed, the house is sold to an income-eligible family in the community.

While in the program, members gain valuable skills, perform community service, and prepare for post-secondary education and/or careers. The most important goals of the project are to build self-esteem and help young adults become self-sufficient.

The Participants
The young adults who participate in the Chippewa Fresh Start program are ages 16 to 25 and may have a variety of barriers to self-sufficiency. A majority of program participants have dropped out of high school or are struggling to finish high school. As stated in the program name, they're looking for a fresh start.

The Program
Participants work together for 28.5 hours each week (Monday through Thursday) and over the course of one year, they will be involved in every phase of new home construction. In addition to this hands-on learning experience, part of each day is devoted to education. Participants will complete classes leading to a high school diploma, GED, or HSED. Chippewa Fresh Start also provides the resources and support needed to stay on the road to success including leadership development, goal setting, motivation, health and nutrition training, independent living skills, career planning, and job search assistance. Members are paid a daily living allowance during their term of $60 a day and earn an education award of $3,447.50 at the completion of a 900-hour AmeriCorps term.

The Outcome
These young adults, their families, and the entire community benefit from the program. Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate from the Home Builders Institute (HBI). The goal is for each young adult to be fully employed or enrolled in postsecondary education when they leave the program.

To Apply
We are currently full for the 2023-2024 program year, which goes through August 31, 2024. Applications are closed at this time.

If you are interested in applying for the 2024-2025 program year:

Fall Semester (September 2024)
Accepting applications May 13, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Spring Sememster (January 2025)
Accepting application September 2, 2024 - November 29, 2024

The application process includes an application, two in-person interviews, and participation in a Volunteer Week.