Students learn important lessons through construction

(NECN: Katie Daly, Worcester, Mass.) - "I learn better hands on" 21-year-old Miguel Aponte admits that less than a year ago he was on the wrong track. But back in November things started to change. "I started to focus on myself, my life, my future." Miguel says he started to work on his future by joining the program "Youth Build". Its a nationwide program that teaches young adults how to build homes in their community. In some cases from the ground up. At this site in Worcester 16 students are restoring a historic residence that will later become affordable housing units. The students are instructed by Larry Haley. Azeba Browne had never picked up a hammer before signing up. "I never thought I would be able to do something like this" And it’s that sense of accomplishment that is now driving Efrain Gonzales to work harder. "Its something that boosts your confidence -to tell people I did that I actually had a helping hand in building that house its fun." The students are not only building a house but they are working on their GED. They spend half their time at this work site and the other half in the classroom The students have been able to take what they have learned in the classroom and put it to practical use. While the students are learning important lessons through construction, some say they are building something much grander than a house.