On Tuesday, September 3, YouthBuild Philly kicked off its annual Student Mental Toughness Training (SMTT), inviting over 400 young people (ages 17-20) as applicants to join the Class of 2025! SMTT is a fun and collaborative, yet intensive, three-day training that offers applicants a series of workshops designed to introduce YouthBuild’s climate, culture, and programs. The training culminates in our Annual Acceptance March, where applicants take to the streets of Philadelphia to reclaim their education.
This year’s SMTT began at the Temple Performing Arts Center, a new venue for us, with applicants lining up along Broad Street. Doors opened at 8:00 a.m., and our team warmly welcomed the applicants with smiles, music, and snacks as they entered the auditorium for our daily community meeting. These meetings, led by Principal Davis, serve as a time to check in with students and staff. During SMTT, the meetings focus on setting expectations for the school year and educating applicants on YouthBuild’s core values of perseverance, respect, and excellence.
This year’s SMTT was particularly special. Not only did we hold it in our brand-new, state-of-the-art school building, but we also welcomed our largest applicant pool to date and introduced over 20 new staff members who are committed to supporting our young people. With so many exciting changes in staff and program structure, we are eager to see what this year will bring.
Throughout SMTT, applicants participated in various program-centered and team-building workshops. These sessions allowed them to engage with staff more personally and bond with fellow applicants. Students also learned about the many resources available to them at YouthBuild, including housing and transportation assistance, counseling, job placement services, and post-secondary transition support.
One key workshop was the workforce selection session, which provided an overview of the vocational tracks available at YouthBuild Philly. Applicants must choose one of three trades—Culinary Arts, Healthcare, or Building Trades—as part of their graduation requirement. Our job training takes place in real-world settings, such as a full-service kitchen, healthcare facility, or construction site. As students develop vital job skills, they also engage in volunteer service, giving back to their community. Upon successful completion, students earn industry-recognized certificates and transition to college or a career as critically conscious leaders, committed to making positive change for themselves and their families.
On the final day of SMTT, applicants prepared for our Annual Acceptance March by creating hand-drawn posters. The march began at Broad and Dauphin Streets and ended at the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) headquarters at 440 North Broad Street, where we were greeted by administrators from SDP. During the march, applicants and staff could be heard proudly chanting the YouthBuild Philly cheer: “When I say Youth, you say Build! YOUTH! BUILD! YOUTH! BUILD!” This moment, led by the Magic Music Group marching band, is always a highlight, showcasing our YB Philly pride and making our presence known in the city. We are incredibly grateful to the Magic Music Group for their ongoing support.
After the march, students returned to the school building, where they were officially accepted into the Class of 2025! They had the chance to share their experiences from SMTT and reflect on what they hope to achieve in the coming year at YouthBuild Philly. Before being dismissed, the students took squad photos to commemorate the day.
Looking ahead, students moved into a one-week orientation from September 9 through September 13 and began classes on September 16. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the Class of 2025 and look forward to helping them achieve their graduation goals.
Wishing everyone a successful school year!
Best,
YouthBuild Philly
