Project CRAFT

Project CRAFT (Community, Restitution, and Apprenticeship-Focused Training) began in 1994 when the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration awarded a Youth Offender demonstration grant to Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The program incorporates the apprenticeship concept of hands-on training and academic instruction. Under the supervision of instructors, students learn residential construction skills while completing community service construction projects. It utilizes the industry validated Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT), numeracy, literacy and employability skills curricula.

Project CRAFT is designed to improve educational levels, teach vocational skills and reduce recidivism among adjudicated youth, while addressing the home building industry's need for entry level workers.

Since 1994, Project CRAFT has served more than 2,000 high-risk youth at 15 sites in ten states (Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas). Project CRAFT currently operates at nine sites in four states, including Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey, and Mississippi. Each year it serves about 400 youth.