Leo’s Story, Build-Up Academy

For many students, the path to success starts with finding the right opportunity—one that builds not just skills, but also confidence and a sense of purpose. SELF’s Build-Up Academy is that opportunity for students like Leo, who transformed his life through the program and is now inspiring others to do the same.

Finding Confidence Through Hands-On Learning
When Leo first joined SELF’s Build-Up Academy, he described himself as nervous and shy. He kept to himself and didn’t know what the future held. But through the program’s construction courses and hands-on job site experiences, everything changed. “When I first came, I was very nervous and shy,” Leo shares. “After I took the construction course and started going on the job sites, it really opened me up a lot.”

Leo learned invaluable skills, including drywall, mudding, electrical work, plumbing, and flooring installation. These experiences not only taught him a trade but also gave him a sense of accomplishment and a vision for his future.

A Future Beyond Expectations
SELF’s Build-Up Academy helped Leo see a future he never imagined. “If you would have asked me my freshman year what I would be doing, I wouldn’t have said I’d be in this situation getting hired and stuff,” he says. The program didn’t just prepare Leo for the workforce; it gave him confidence and a sense of direction.

Today, Leo is an instructional assistant at SELF’s Community Parner, Marshall High School. Leo now helps students learn the skills he once struggled to master. “Teaching them how to cut drywall and plywood, it’s just a good feeling,” Leo explains. “I never thought I would be helping other kids out. It’s rewarding to be on the other side, inspiring them the way I was inspired.”

The Impact of Build-Up Academy
Leo’s story is a testament to the transformative power of programs like SELF’s Build-Up Academy. By equipping students with practical skills and providing a supportive environment, the program creates pathways to employment, education, and personal growth. Students leave not only with the ability to contribute to the workforce but also with the confidence to shape their futures.

For Leo, the Academy was more than just a program—it was a turning point. It’s where he found his passion, built lasting skills, and gained the confidence to pursue a meaningful career. And now, as a mentor, he’s paying it forward, helping the next generation of students discover their potential.

Supporting Success
Programs like SELF’s Build-Up Academy are vital for empowering students and strengthening communities. By investing in education and mentorship, we can help more individuals like Leo unlock their potential and achieve their dreams.