Program Overview
Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future: Building Skills, Reducing Crime, and Expanding Opportunities
Serving Youth aged
12 - 17
Cornerstone Craftsman is an Alexandria City-based nonprofit organization that provides youth with training in the skilled trades and mentoring, focusing on goal-oriented youth character development. Emphasizing the 5Cs of Positive Youth Development (Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring), Cornerstone Craftsman aims to reduce juvenile crime rates, gang-related violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and high school dropout and absenteeism rates in our local community.
A Viable Career Path
Our unique pre-apprenticeship program allows young men and women to build viable careers, earn a livable wage, and pursue economic self-sufficiency. By offering vocational career pathways, we are opening doors to alternative education routes with the skills and resources needed for success. Our students meet with our instructors/mentors twice a month during the school year and more frequently during the summer at Cornerstone Craftsman's Learning Center at 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22314 to complete hands-on projects, master technical lessons and advance in the skilled trades.
Mentorship and Life-Skills
In addition to the trades, our program provides mentorship and education in key life-skills such as conflict resolution, critical thinking and self-awareness, and accountability. Our core program helps these young men and women build a viable career path, earn a livable wage, and pursue economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, Cornerstone Craftsman works closely with court services and families in assisting youth toward a successful transition from juvenile detention and probation.