Build Futures: Philly Youth Trades Program

Help Fund Summer Jobs & Trades Education for Philly Youth

Hi, my name is Evin Jarrett, and I run a hands-on career and technical education program for middle school students in Philadelphia—where students don’t just learn about the trades, they teach them.

This summer, I’m raising $5,000 to give three more students the chance to join our Dope Student Summer Program.

The program was capped at 10 students this year, but I want to make space for 3 additional youth who are eager to learn, lead, and earn.

Each student in the program receives a $1,350 stipend for the month of July, paid directly for their time and contributions. That’s $4,050 of the funds raised. The remaining amount will support our mobile shop renovation project.

About the Project

We own an old RV—she's rough, but she's ours.

This summer, my students and I will completely demo and rebuild the RV, raising the roof to 8 feet and installing a full solar power system.

This will become the new home for The Dope Student Podcast, a youth-led show that earned a 2024 City Council Citation for excellence. Students interview industry professionals and community leaders, giving them exposure to real career paths—and giving their voices a platform.

But that’s just the beginning. Once complete, this RV will transform into the Dope Teacher Mobile Shop, traveling throughout Philadelphia to offer free Saturday trades classes in:

Plumbing

Electrical

Carpentry

And the instructors for these weekend classes?

Middle school students from Mayfair—my students—teaching their peers.

Why This Matters

In a city where too many youth don’t see opportunity, this program gives them purpose, pay, and power.

Your support helps us keep students off the streets and inside something real—where they learn, teach, build, and grow.

Every dollar raised brings us closer to expanding this powerful experience to more young people who deserve it.

Thank You

Thank you in advance for believing in this mission.

With your help, we can rebuild this RV, fund more student stipends, and keep spreading hope, skills, and opportunity across Philly.

Let’s keep changing lives—one student, one lesson, and one tool at a time.