Charter school gets grant from Gates Foundation

The YouthBuild Philadelphia charter school has been awarded a grant totaling $570,000 over three years from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help young adults who have dropped out of school earn high school diplomas and continue their education at two- and four-year colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs.

The North Philadelphia school is among seven YouthBuild programs nationwide across the country that will share in $6 million from the Gates Foundation, according to an announcement issued Thursday from YouthBuild national headquarters in Somerville, Mass.

Officials at YouthBuild Philadelphia say the grant will help 600 young adults in the city over three years.

In addition to helping students complete their high school education, the charter school provides hands-on vocational training in construction, technology and nursing.

- Martha Woodall