Over 300 young people, ages 18-21, participate in Mental Toughness Training (MTT), an intensive, two-week selection process that prepares YouthBuild applicants to step back into the classroom. The series of workshops, leadership exercises and team building activities are designed to introduce applicants to the YouthBuild model of learning.

MTT is the final stage in our application process, which narrowed the field of over 1000 high school dropouts who applied to YouthBuild Philadelphia this year.  Applicants are accepted into MTT by demonstrating their motivation to attend YouthBuild, and they must adhere to a series of rules and guidelines to show their dedication and complete the training.

Dean of Students Ameen Akbar addresses applicants at a morning assembly during Mental Toughness Training.