Greetings YB Community
Today, the members of the Board of Trustees of YouthBuild Philly proudly and unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to the school’s driving mission: to stand beside young adults who have been failed by traditional education and to empower them to reclaim their futures. They memorialized this commitment through a Board Resolution.
Our Board of Trustees made this resolution on the final day of Black History Month to recognize and honor the Black and Brown students who make up 98% of our student body—resilient young people who refuse to let systemic barriers define their potential. Year after year, we witness their brilliance, their determination, and their ability to rise when given the love, support, and respect they deserve.
YouthBuild Philly is more than a school; it is a community, a launchpad, and a powerful testament to what’s possible when young people are given a real chance to thrive. We celebrate their victories—when they walk across the graduation stage in just one year, diploma in hand. When they step boldly into college and careers as critically conscious leaders, committed to transforming their lives and their communities.
Today’s resolution is about Philadelphia being stronger when all of its young people have access to opportunity. It is about changing individual lives—while reshaping the future of our city, one student at a time.
By breaking down generational barriers to college and career, YouthBuild Philly is proving that education is the great equalizer. It is the antidote. And in doing so, we are not only uplifting students—we are actively writing a new chapter in history. I appreciate the Board’s bold statement in support of this important charge.
This moment is deeply personal to me. As someone who has navigated the same barriers our students face, I know firsthand the power of education to transform lives. At YouthBuild Philly, we affirm the lived experiences of our students and see their full humanity. We recognize it is the responsibility of educators to not only help students navigate the world as it is but also to empower them with the skills, confidence, and vision to shape the world as they want it to be. This is not just our mission. This is a reflection of my story and the values I hold close.
This resolution serves as an unwavering declaration: Black History is American History—not just in February, but every single day. YouthBuild stands in this truth, today and always.
Le’Yondo Dunn
Chief Executive Officer
YouthBuild Philly
