Youthbuild

Earn your GED or high school diploma, start a career and become empowered by your community.

TXCC & LACC

Become part of the next generation of convervationists through environmental education, preservation and service.

We are here for our community and continue to connect our young people with education, career training and the supportive services they need at this critical time.

We prioritize the health and safety of our communities, and are monitoring all local, state and national health regulations and recommendations to ensure we implement the most updated precautions.

Due to the nature of American YouthWorks’ partnerships, interactions with the public, program and campus operations, we strongly encourage all staff and participants to get vaccinated prior to enrollment.

Below, you will find updated information for each operating site and program, along with partner services and community updates.

This page will be updated regularly with new developments.

Estamos aquí para nuestra comunidad y continuamos conectando a nuestros jóvenes con educación, entrenamiento profesional y los servicios de apoyo que necesitan en este momento crítico.

Priorizamos la salud y seguridad de nuestras comunidades. Estamos monitoreando todas las regulaciones y recomendaciones de salud locales, estatales, y nacionales para asegurarnos de implementar las precauciones más actualizadas.

Dada la naturaleza de los socios de American YouthWorks, las interacciones con el público, y las operaciones del programa y del campus, recomendamos mucho que todo el personal y los participantes se vacunen antes de inscribirse.

A continuación, encontrará información actualizada para cada sitio y programa operativo, junto con servicios de socios y actualizaciones de la comunidad.

Esta página se actualizará periódicamente con nuevos desarrollos.

Reviewed on June 19, 2022

AYW Headquarters

We are taking all safety precautions as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of our students, participants, staff and all visitors. Procedures have been put in place for sanitizing the building, reducing building traffic, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Building Sanitization: The building is sanitized every day, with the bathroom being cleaned every 2 hours. There are cleaning stations throughout the building for staff to sanitize the area they were working in.

Building Traffic: We have taken measures to decrease the traffic in our building. Staff that are able to work from home. Staff that need to be in the building use a scheduling system to communicate when they’ll be there and where in the building they will be. This information is kept for potential contact tracing needs.

Building Entrance: All staff and participants are to enter and exit the building through assigned entrances. If a person is feeling sick or is showing signs or symptoms of Covid19, they should stay home and alert their supervisor and HR.

While in the Building:
● All persons are to follow social distancing guidelines.
● Face masks should cover mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable). Surgical masks and N95s are recommended.
● Indoors: Masks are optional. Please be considerate and protect the individuals that can't be vaccinated. We encourage masks in shared spaces to keep each other safe, but it is optional as long as everyone is agreeable.
● Outdoors: If you can't be physically distant, masks are encouraged.

● Indoor spaces should be as well ventilated as possible (fans on, windows open, A/C with filter system, etc.)
We ask everyone to remind each other to stay safely distant when possible. If you need a mask, please ask at the front desk or your supervisor.
We strongly recommend vaccination and boosters!

AYW Vehicles: Masks are required to be worn inside AYW  vehicles.

Visitors: Visitors must make an appointment and are required to take a temperature check and answer Covid symptom questions upon entering the building.

Possible Exposure: Contact your supervisor or HR immediately.
If you were not socially distant or wearing PPE when in contact with someone (more than 15 mins.) who has tested positive for COVID-19, work from home if  possible. If not, mask wearing is mandatory! Get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Inform your supervisor or HR immediately.
You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is  negative. You need to isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.

Return to work after having had COVID-19 diagnosis:
APH echoes recommendations from the CDC on managing individuals who have had COVID-19 and their return to work. Current health guidelines require these individuals to stay home:
● For at least 10 days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms; AND
● For at least one day following the resolution of fever; WITH
● Improvement of other symptoms
● Provide a Doctor’s note stating that it is ok to return to work

YouthBuild Austin

All of our in person education and vocational programs restarted August 18, 2021 for the fall semester and will be continuing to enroll participants. We will continue to follow the City of Austin and Travis County guidelines.

The Goodwill Excel Center is also offering classes in person. To co enroll with YouthBuild Austin, students must be registered with Excel AYW Campus.

Applicants: Applicants will be informed of the potential risks associated with participating in our programs and about our COVID-19 protocol. It is required that they sign and return an Assumption of Risk form before joining the program.

Training: Protocols and procedures have been put in place to maximize safety during training. These include social distancing, limiting group sizes, sanitizing all shared surfaces and items (tables, dishes, tools, vehicles, etc.), holding discussions outside, and managing emotional as well as physical/medical safety.

Distancing: Trainers will arrange work packages to keep corps members as far away from each other as possible. All possible efforts should be made with the Project Partner for the project site(s) to be closed to the public. The crew should proactively keep distance if isolating procedures are not possible by members of the public.

Masks: Face masks covering mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable) have to be worn when you are in AYW vehicles. Surgical masks and N95s are recommended. While outdoors, masks are required when distancing is not possible.

Partner agency guidelines take precedence over American YouthWorks' policies at work and service sites.

Personal  and Crew Hygiene: Procedures have been put into place around handwashing, disinfecting communal surfaces, laundry, bathing, face masks & gloves, and meals, as well as for resupply and other public interfaces (crew visitors, grocery, gas, laundry, roadside assistance).

Disinfecting & Sanitizing: Crews have access to cleaning supplies for the facility, vehicle surfaces, tools, personal protective equipment, and office supplies. Instructions and protocols for proper use of these supplies are given.

Program Vehicles: 100% capacity for all agency vehicles. Masks must still be worn when traveling in agency vehicles. This is based on federal regulations and has just been extended through August. It is recommended that all windows are open to allow for optimal ventilation.

Tools & Equipment: Crews are trained to handle the tools and equipment in ways that reduce the risk of spread, along with decontamination procedures.

Camping: YBA provides service camping trips several times per year. Locations will be dispersed or within closed sites to limit contact with the general public. If project partners cannot identify such a location, YBA will attempt to identify alternatives which limit public interaction.

Field Exposure/Outbreak: Procedures and Protocols are in place for when COVID-19 symptoms arise among the crew while in the field. Crew leaders will be trained in these.

Community Water Coolers: Crews working outside are authorized to have community water coolers with the use of proper safe handling procedures.

AYW Building: Participants are expected to follow the AYW building policies and procedures (above).

All volunteer and mentor opportunities are online. If you would like to learn more about what our volunteers and mentors do, visit our volunteer page.

Texas Conservation Corps

Yes, conservation corps crews are operating with reduced crew sizes and extra precautions to protect our members, staff, and community. Go to the TXCC page to learn more.

Self Care & Self Preparation: Crew members have been given guidelines for while on site and while at home around frequent hand washing, distancing, personal protective equipment, and staying healthy.

Disinfecting & Sanitizing: Crews have access to cleaning supplies for the facility, vehicle surfaces, tools, personal protective equipment, and office supplies. Instructions and protocols for proper use of these supplies are given.

Masks: Face masks covering mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable) have to be worn when you are in AYW vehicles. Surgical masks and N95s are recommended. While outdoors, masks are required when distancing is not possible.

Partner agency guidelines take precedence over American YouthWorks' policies at work and service sites.

Program Vehicles: 100% capacity for all agency vehicles. Masks must be worn when traveling in agency vehicles. This is based on federal regulations and has just been extended through August. It is recommended that all windows are open to allow for optimal ventilation.

Tools & Equipment: Protocols are in place for handling the tools and equipment in ways that reduce the risk of spread, along with decontamination procedures.

Community Water Coolers: Crews working outside are authorized to have community water coolers with the use of proper safe handling procedures.

Facilities: Crews are scheduled to be at the building at different times to reduce the traffic. All members are expected to follow the AYW building policies and procedures (above).

Crews are back to field work with a focus on essential functions, such as shaded fuel brakes. As we move deeper into fire season, this becomes a critical tool in protecting homes & habitat. Crews are also able to take advantage of space in some parks right now to help our partners catch up on deferred trails maintenance projects. These projects are focused on user safety and ease of access concerns.

TXCC is currently hiring members and leaders! Take a look at the opportunities here.

New Start

Yes! We are still enrolling court involved youth, 18 years and older. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Houston Operating Site

We are taking all safety precautions as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of our participants, staff and all visitors. Procedures have been put in place for sanitizing the building, reducing building traffic, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Building Sanitization: Any areas occupied by employees or the public are sanitized at the end of the day, everyday. This procedure includes sanitizing all vehicles, tools, door handles and spraying the office down with Odoban.

Building Traffic: Crew members and leaders do not enter the office space, unless using the restroom facilities. Participants enter through an outdoor gate to have access to vehicles and the tool room. We have minimized the amount of staff in the building at one time by sharing time in the office through a virtual calendar and working from home.

Building Entrance: All staff and participants are to enter and exit the building through assigned entrances. If a person is feeling sick or is showing signs or symptoms of Covid19, they should stay home and alert their supervisor and HR.

While in the Building:
● All persons are to follow social distancing guidelines.
● Face masks should cover mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable). Surgical masks and N95s are recommended.
● Indoors: Masks are optional. Please be considerate and protect the individuals that can't be vaccinated. We encourage masks in shared spaces to keep each other safe, but it is optional as long as everyone is agreeable.
● Outdoors: If you can't be physically distant, masks are encouraged.

● Indoor spaces should be as well ventilated as possible (fans on, windows open, A/C with filter system, etc.)
We ask everyone to remind each other to stay safely distant when possible. If you need a mask, please ask at the front desk or your supervisor.
We strongly recommend vaccination and boosters!

AYW Vehicles: Masks are required to be worn inside AYW  vehicles.

Visitors: Visitors must make an appointment and are required to take a temperature check and answer Covid symptom questions upon entering the building.

Possible Exposure: Contact your supervisor or HR immediately.
If you were not socially distant or wearing PPE with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, work from home if  possible. If not, mask wearing is mandatory! Get tested 3-5 days after  your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Inform your supervisor or HR immediately.
You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is  negative. You need to isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.

Return to work after having had COVID-19 diagnosis:
APH echoes recommendations from the CDC on managing individuals who have had COVID-19 and their return to work. Current health guidelines require these individuals to stay home:
● At least 10 days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms; AND
● At least one day following the resolution of fever; WITH
● Improvement of other symptoms

Texas Conservation Corps

Yes, conservation corps crews are operating with reduced crew sizes and extra precautions to protect our members, staff, and community. Go to the TXCC page to learn more.

Self Care & Self Preparation: Crew members have been given guidelines for while on site and while at home around frequent hand washing, distancing, personal protective equipment, and staying healthy.

Disinfecting & Sanitizing: Crews have access to cleaning supplies for the facility, vehicle surfaces, tools, personal protective equipment, and office supplies. Instructions and protocols for proper use of these supplies are given.

Masks: Face masks covering mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable) have to be worn when you are in AYW vehicles. Surgical masks and N95s are recommended. While outdoors, masks are required when distancing is not possible.

Partner agency guidelines take precedence over American YouthWorks' policies at work and service sites.

Program Vehicles: 100% capacity for all agency vehicles. Masks must be worn when traveling in agency vehicles. This is based on federal regulations and has just been extended through August. It is recommended that all windows are open to allow for optimal ventilation.

Tools & Equipment: Protocols are in place for handling the tools and equipment in ways that reduce the risk of spread, along with decontamination procedures.

Community Water Coolers: Crews working outside are authorized to have community water coolers with the use of proper safe handling procedures.

Facilities: Crews are scheduled to be at the building at different times to reduce the traffic. All members are expected to follow the AYW building policies and procedures (above).

Crews are back to field work with a focus on essential functions, such as shaded fuel brakes. As we move deeper into fire season, this becomes a critical tool in protecting homes & habitat. Crews are also able to take advantage of space in some parks right now to help our partners catch up on deferred trails maintenance projects. These projects are focused on user safety and ease of access concerns.

TXCC is currently hiring members and leaders! Take a look at the opportunities here.

Clean & Green

Clean & Green is not currently running at this time. This program may be restarted again at a later date.

Baton Rouge Operating Site

We are taking all safety precautions as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of our participants, staff and all visitors. Procedures have been put in place for sanitizing the building, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Building Sanitization: Daily sanitation of the building is occurring, with bathrooms being sanitized twice a day.

Building Traffic: Staff are able to work from home if they desire/are feeling ill. Staff members that need to be in the building communicate with each other via phone. Due to the small number of individuals working from this location additional measures to decrease traffic are not in place.

Building Entrance: All staff and participants are to enter and exit the building through assigned entrances. If a person is feeling sick or is showing signs or symptoms of Covid19, they should stay home and alert their supervisor and HR. 

While in the Building:
● All persons are to follow social distancing guidelines.
● Face masks should cover mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable). Surgical masks and N95s are recommended.
● Indoors: Masks are optional. Please be considerate and protect the individuals that can't be vaccinated. We encourage masks in shared spaces to keep each other safe, but it is optional as long as everyone is agreeable.
● Outdoors: If you can't be physically distant, masks are encouraged.

● Indoor spaces should be as well ventilated as possible (fans on, windows open, A/C with filter system, etc.)
We ask everyone to remind each other to stay safely distant when possible. If you need a mask, please ask at the front desk or your supervisor.
We strongly recommend vaccination and boosters!

AYW Vehicles: Masks are required to be worn inside AYW  vehicles.

Visitors: Visitors must make an appointment and are required to take a temperature check and answer Covid symptom questions upon entering the building.

Possible Exposure: Contact your supervisor or HR immediately.
If you were not socially distant or wearing PPE with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, work from home if  possible. If not, mask wearing is mandatory! Get tested 3-5 days after  your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms. Inform your supervisor or HR immediately.
You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is  negative. You need to isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.

Return to work after having had COVID-19 diagnosis:
APH echoes recommendations from the CDC on managing individuals who have had COVID-19 and their return to work. Current health guidelines require these individuals to stay home:
● At least 10 days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms; AND
● At least one day following the resolution of fever; WITH
● Improvement of other symptoms

Louisiana Conservation Corps

Yes, conservation corps crews are operating with reduced crew sizes and extra precautions to protect our members, staff, and community. Go to the  LaCC page to learn more.

Self Care & Self Preparation: Crew members have been given guidelines for while on site and while at home around frequent hand washing, distancing, personal protective equipment, and staying healthy.

Disinfecting & Sanitizing: Crews have access to cleaning supplies for the facility, vehicle surfaces, tools, personal protective equipment, and office supplies. Instructions and protocols for proper use of these supplies are given.

Masks: Face masks covering mouth and nose (gators or bandanas are NOT acceptable) have to be worn when you are in AYW vehicles. Surgical masks and N95s are recommended. While outdoors, masks are required when distancing is not possible.

Partner agency guidelines take precedence over American YouthWorks' policies at work and service sites.

Program Vehicles: 100% capacity for all agency vehicles. Masks must be worn when traveling in agency vehicles. This is based on federal regulations and has just been extended through August. It is recommended that all windows are open to allow for optimal ventilation.

Tools & Equipment: Protocols are in place for handling the tools and equipment in ways that reduce the risk of spread, along with decontamination procedures.

Community Water Coolers: Crews working outside are authorized to have community water coolers with the use of proper safe handling procedures.

Facilities: Crews are scheduled to be at the building at different times to reduce the traffic. All members are expected to follow the AYW building policies and procedures (above).

Crews are back to field work with a focus on essential functions, such as shaded fuel brakes. As we move deeper into fire season, this becomes a critical tool in protecting homes & habitat. Crews are also able to take advantage of space in some parks right now to help our partners catch up on deferred trails maintenance projects. These projects are focused on user safety and ease of access concerns.

Partner Services & Community Updates

Together we support opportunities to grow and serve.