Blueprint for Success began in 2005 to assist individuals in obtaining a new, promising livelihood by providing intensive supportive services coupled with educational and vocational training. It is a nine month pre-apprenticeship construction training program which promotes self-sufficiency. Blueprint students learn a marketable trade by studying curriculum based on state and industry standards. Students receive classroom instruction and hands-on experience, culminating in their final project - the complete rehab of an abandoned, inner city property (with assistance and supervision from a local construction company).
Blueprint provides participants with basic carpenter supplies for use during the program including tools and a tool belt. These supplies are given to students as graduation gifts when they complete program. In addition, students are given a monthly stipend. To emulate real world experience and encourage responsibility and commitment, students are not paid for sick leave or vacation time as in most construction jobs.
Blueprint participants also receive intensive supportive services to address other barriers to self-sufficiency including:
Case management
Assistance in finding part-time employment, if desired
Assistance with child care
Assistance with child support matters
Financial assistance for emergency rent or utility payments
Assistance finding suitable housing if necessary
Individual or family counseling with an outside professional
CAA will also serve as an advocate for participants dealing with legal matters. In addition, Blueprint encourages participants to utilize other applicable agency programs, most notably CAA's Fatherhood Initiative.
Upon graduation from Blueprint, participants who wish to enter the construction industry are guaranteed the opportunity to interview for a job in the field. Other participants can receive assistance applying to higher education programs and pursuing other careers.
CAA's Blueprint for Success partners with numerous community organizations and businesses, including:
The City of Cincinnati
Homesteading and Urban Rehabilitation Corporation, Inc. (HURC)
Allied Construction Industry, Inc.
The Home Depot
CincinnatiState Technical and Community College
Cincinnati Public Schools
Great Oaks
Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative, Inc. (GCMI)
Messer Construction
Triversity, Inc.
Sigma Capital, Inc.
Eligibility
To participate, youth must:
Have dropped out of high school, be unemployed, be underemployed, or be an ex-offender;
Be between 18-30 years of age; and
Be residents of the City of Cincinnati.
For more information on Blueprint for Success, contact Youth Services by email or by phone at 513.569.1840 x 1466.
CAA is trying to expand the program to serve all HamiltonCounty youth by broadening the program's funding base. Currently, the majority of Blueprint's funding comes from the City of Cincinnati with additional funding provided by the United Way.
