Building Solid Foundations For Growth

young people need a path and a mechanism to gain the skill-sets necessary to enter the workforce and contribute to our society.

The disconnect between youth and gaining entrance into the greater economy has been apparent for the last three decades. Our overarching goal is to reach these youth and instill fundamental training and financial literacy to empower them to start their adult lives with practical, profitable skills. In this way, they will positively impact their communities and instill confidence in the American economy.

Apprenticeships were once the prime method for bringing the next generation into the workplace. They are few and far between now, but they’ve never been more important. Craftsman, skilled equipment operators – these jobs will always be in high demand and our youth need help to bridge the skill gap necessary.

According to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor and Statistics as of July 2015 the unemployment rate for those between the ages of 16 and 24 is 12.2 percent and the unemployment rate for disadvantaged / under served communities in the 16 to 24 year old demographic is 16.7 percent. This is more than triple the national average!

BSFFG has identified key areas to set up their targeted training.  We will focus in areas such as construction infrastructure and housing redevelopment.

There is a daily barrage of advertisements for the various for-profit educational entities who target the 16 to 24-year old demographic with promises of degrees, certifications, and job placement. All too often, these institutions of higher learning leave young people deep in debt and still without work - which can further demoralize and marginalize them.

Building Solid Foundations for Growth uses a holistic approach to training youth. By identifying at-risk youth populations at various intervention points, like high school and the juvenile justice system, we can help provide clear goal setting, training, and mentoring. The BSFFG hands-on experience will help boost confidence and build character - important traits for young people in the job market.

In The News

BSFFG featured on ABC-7 KVIA. Full story on the KVIA site. 

"So what we're doing is we're taking 40 hours this week and giving them some 'seat time' is what we call it, on different pieces from the backhoe to the mini-excavator then also the skid steer," said Co-Founder and Lead Instructor Joshua Gibbs.

"We give them basic training, teach them basic functions. We can't go too fast with them based on their experience, right? Our main thing here is safety. So we want to give them the normal operations of the equipment. And hopefully they can take this opportunity and take it into the construction field."

And there are a lot of opportunities around and coming up in the near future, estimated to top a billion dollars just in the El Paso region alone.

"There's just no shortage of highway construction jobs coming up," said TXDoT Spokeswoman Jennifer Wright. "This is really going to be a big economic driver for El Paso, the fact that TXDoT is getting additional funding over the next several years to engage in building up the infrastructure around the state. There's going to be a need for a long time in the future."

FOUNDATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During 2016 in association with University of Texas at Arlington BSFFG has the training below with future classes scheduled for 2017. 

Class Package:

• 32 Hours of Equipment Training with Certificate of Completion
• 10 Hours OSHA Safety Certificate
• Resume Building, Interview Skills, Financial Literacy

Certifications Obtained through Training:

• OSHA Safety Certification
• Trenching and Rigging Certification
• Flagging Certification

PARTNER WITH BSFFG

We will reach out to all corporate good citizens, as well as federal and state agencies, who are keen to partner with us as we build up youth to become contributing members of our society. Our goal is to partner with various professionals, who will volunteer their time and skill-set expertise, (or hire our students!) to help us build the future – today.

If you or your company would like to join us, please contact us directly!

Our Founders

Joshua Gibbs

CO-FOUNDER / LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Joshua Gibbs is a native of Rochester, New York. He attended Edison Career and Technology High School through 1999 as a student of the engineering and construction co-op program. The training he received at Edison afforded him the opportunity to obtain summer internships at various engineering and construction firms. After completing high school he began his career as a bridge and road inspector for a large engineering firm. Joshua has always been passionate about the construction field and has received various certifications which have led to his entrepreneurship. He currently owns and operates a minority heavy highway construction company in Dallas, TX.

Mr. Gibbs credits his education and training from his high school as the reason for his many career accomplishments. The opportunities he was given based on his formative training are priceless and have opened the door to an otherwise impossible future. Mr. Gibbs recognizes how much of a difference his life was compared to other students who did not have the same training. His goal is to give back to communities that have historically been overlooked. He realizes that youthful experiences are extremely influential. His passion is providing positivity and uplifting guidance to young adults through hands-on training. This provides students a sense of pride in themselves and their community; which will prepare them for a productive and successful future.

Jahan Brooks

CO-FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jahan Brooks was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. As a child of a Navy serviceman, she traveled the world and experienced life among many different cultures. Her upbringing broadened her views on the uneven scales of society. Based on her exposure to varied communities around the world, she developed a devotion to helping less fortunate populations. After completing high school in Jacksonville, FL. she worked her way up through the corporate healthcare arena and managed a real estate mortgage brokerage for several years. Jahan received her bachelor's degree in International Political Economy from the University of Texas in May 2015. 

Since a young girl, Jahan has had a passion for charity work. She has always volunteered her free time in organizations which focus on underserved and disadvantaged populations. She is currently working with multiple programs throughout the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area that are aimed at bridging the economic and educational gap which is excessively growing. It is her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to better themselves and it is her passion to help them receive that chance. One opportunity could change the trajectory for an entire family.