CALCUTTA The Columbiana County YouthBuild program will be gearing up for their fall registration, but this time, the students will have the distinction of attending a full affiliate of the national YouthBuild USA organization.

Interested students to the program on Calcutta-Smith Ferry Road can attend an informational day about the various classes and activities available at the school on Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m.

"Students are asked to bring their driver's license or state issued ID card, copy of birth certificate and their Social Security card," Casey Havens, program director, said. "Staff members including YouthBuild program director, case managers, teachers, construction managers and others will be available to provide information, assist prospective students in filling out applications and to answer questions and concerns."

Fellow staff member Nina Sullivan agreed with Havens and said the students can visit and learn everything they want to know about the school-year.

"Our staff is available to speak to them." She added.

The open house and information day comes after a summer where the Columbiana County Youthbuild organization advanced from being a provisional affiliate member.

Their new designation means the staff and students have met standards and benchmarks, a site visit and collected data as part of the "rigorous" goals set forth by the national association, Ann Wright, director of the Affiliated Network, said.

Part of the application process involves the Columbiana County Youthbuild affiliate keeping an active policy committee, having youths participate in building affordable homes for low income community members, providing education towards a GED or high school diploma, keeping a leadership component and submitting student tracking data.

With the new designation, the county school is also eligible for pass-through grants to YouthBuild USA.

Earlier this summer, under their parent company, The Way Station, the local YouthBuild group received $387,294 earmarked for services. The grant is from the US Department of Labor under $114 national grant. The YouthBuild program was one of 10 Ohio organizations that were offered grants.

The 2009-10 YouthBuild Columbiana County class is currently being filled, but interested students are encouraged to call the office as soon as possible. Names can be placed on a waiting list.

YouthBuild is a full-time construction schooling and education program where students, or trainees, are paid for construction work while attending educational classes to earn a high school diploma or GED.

Graduates are then assisted through apprenticeships, job placement or with continuing an education.