Six YouthBuild/AmeriCorps programs from around Illinois add some variety to their weekly schedule of GED training, construction, and community service and meet in Waukegan, IL for the first basketball tournament in Illinois YouthBuild history. In this picture, host organization Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) YouthBuild students react in their self designed, ironed-on, reversible jerseys after a standout play (a three pointer as I recall). Students used the tournament not only as a chance to showcase their basketball skills, but also as an opportunity to network with other YouthBuild members for the first time.

*YouthBuild is a national nonprofit dedicated to developing at risk youth ages 16-24. AmeriCorps works with many programs across the U.S. by providing staff, funding, and education grants.