YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School Launches New Evening Program

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School (“YouthBuild Philly”) today announced “YB Flex,” a new evening program launching in Fall 2026. The program will expand the school’s reach and serve 100 more young people each year across Philadelphia.

Designed for young people ages 17–21, YB Flex offers a flexible, one-year path to a high school diploma and industry certifications for students balancing work, family, or other daytime responsibilities.

Each year, more than 1,600 young people in Philadelphia disconnect from school. YB Flex is designed to help close that gap by giving students a supportive evening option that fits their lives and goals.

“At YB Flex, we know many young people are managing real-life responsibilities while working toward their goals. Our students bring resilience, life experience, and potential, and they deserve a school model that recognizes who they are and meets them where they are,” said Nicole Cooper, principal of YB Flex.

Like YouthBuild Philly’s daytime program, YB Flex combines strong academics, career-connected learning, and personalized support to help students build a path to long-term personal and professional success.

Along with academic classes, students will receive hands-on training and have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications in three fields:

• Manufacturing
• Culinary Arts & Hospitality
• Health Care

“Young people have talent, ambition, and ideas worth investing in. We also know life does not always follow a straight path, and some students need a school model that works with their reality instead of against it,” Cooper added.

Interested students can apply now at https://youthbuildphilly.org/apply/. Applicants must also attend a mandatory information session.

“YB Flex gives students a place to keep working toward their diploma and future goals while balancing work, family, and everyday responsibilities. Most of all, we want young people to know there is still a place for them here and people ready to support them as they move forward,” Cooper said.

Additional Information:

• Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 8:30 PM at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, 2309 N. Broad Street.
• The program is free.
• Applicants must be 17–21 years old and meet the following requirements:

• If they are 17, they must turn 18 by January 1, 2027.
• They must be Philadelphia residents.
• They must not already have a high school diploma or GED.

About YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School re-engages young people who have been pushed out of traditional education pathways by providing opportunities to earn a high school diploma alongside workforce training, industry-recognized credentials, college access, and wraparound supports.