A student of YouthBuild Biddeford holds his son as he awaits the official moment of his graduation during commencement exercises at YouthBuild’s headquarters on Crescent Street on Friday. Funded by the Department of Labor and delivered in partnership with Biddeford Housing Authority, YouthBuild helps young men and women, from ages 16-24, complete high school-level academics and prepare them for the workforce or post-secondary education, offering an alternative to youth who have dropped out of public high school. Those in the program prepare for the GED exam, on-site construction training (including OSHA safety training), leadership skills development and employment counseling.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, pictured shaking a graduate’s hand, was the featured speaker during Friday’s commencement, encouraging the program’s graduates to persevere in the face of adversity.
“The biggest regrets in life come not when you try and fail, but when you fail to try,” said Collins.
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