YouthBuild Graduation via WCOV News

The Opelika Housing Authority's YouthBuild Program celebrated the graduation of 13 young adults. This program offers a fresh start for those who haven't completed high school, providing a path to earn a GED or certifications while gaining valuable job training.

Participants in the program spend six to eight months working full-time and learning skills for careers in construction, healthcare, and trucking. The initiative is supported by the Opelika Housing Authority and aims to offer opportunities to those who may feel overlooked.

"I was once one of those children, but they didn't have this program," said Willie Mixon, Lee County Youth-Build Director. "For me, it's gratifying to see someone who doesn't have a direction or a plan to put in place, and to actually execute the plan and to see a change in their lives, their mental state, their living situations, and just their overall stability to becoming a productive member of society."

Graduates are now moving on to various paths, including joining the military, enrolling in college, or starting careers as CDL truck drivers and CNA caregivers.

The 2025 YouthBuild Graduates are: 

John Booth

Deven Canada

Jonquavious Green 

Paisley Hurst

Zatavious Jackson

Nykerria Johnson

Roderick Johnson Jr. 

Serenity Lopez 

Gabrielle Meadows 

William Sayles 

Zykeria Thompson 

Cortavious Wright 

For more information on the program, click here.

Article via Fox 20 WCOV News.