BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford Housing Authority has been awarded $685,000 from YouthBuild, USA to implement a two-year program designed to help high school dropouts prepare for their GED while rehabbing properties.

The housing authority, which provides subsidized housing for low-income residents, is partnering with LearningWorks and 30 area schools, businesses and social services agencies.

Forty students between the ages of 16 and 24 will assist in the rehab of two housing authority properties. Many will earn a Home Builders Institute certificate when the program is completed.

According to a press release from the Biddeford Housing Authority, the program’s curriculum “will combine classroom and worksite experiences, and will integrate the areas of education, employment, leadership skills and vocational skills.”

The award was announced on Aug. 29, but more details of the collaboration and the program will be revealed at a press conference in Biddeford on Tuesday.

The program is expected to begin in February 2013.