CRCD ACADEMY GRADUATES 88 STUDENTS THROUGH UNIQUE PROGRAM Coalition for Responsible Community Development is committed to meeting the needs of youth in South LA and helping them develop a better future. The CRCD Academy, operated by Coalition for Responsible Community development and located on the campus of Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC), celebrated 88 graduations at a commencement ceremony on June 21, 2018. “The students that walk across the stage during graduation has demonstrated resilience beyond belief. Their will to beat the odds and prove their doubters wrong, is something I anticipate celebrating. I will have no shame in shouting for each graduate to show my support and appreciation for what they have accomplished and who they have become,” stated CRCD’s Director of Youth Development, Jahrell Thomas. CRCD Academy enrolls new students ages 16-24 every 5-8 weeks. All incoming students co-enroll at LATTC, so the students have access to college courses plus the college library, computer lab, and many other resources. CRCD Academy is focused on project-based learning and offers an expedited path to earning an accredited high school diploma with the YouthBuild Charter School of CA. The students get involved in community service, leadership, and career preparation, as well as a Youth Policy Council – run by students, for students. The South Los Angeles YouthBuild is one of 260 local programs across the country serving low-income young people ages 16 to 24. This year, YouthBuild USA is celebrating 40 years of work advancing its mission to unleash the intelligence and positive energy of young people to transform their lives and their communities. At YouthBuild programs like South Los Angeles, unemployed and out-of-school young people work toward their High School Equivalency (HSE) or high school diploma, while learning career skills by building affordable housing and other community assets in their neighborhoods while engaging in community service and leadership training. Graduates leave prepared for success in postsecondary education, careers, and registered apprenticeships— and as a part of a strong and supportive community.