Y.O.U. Alumni Crew: Q&A with Marquane
In this Y.O.U. Alumni Crew feature, we spotlight a Y.O.U. alum whose journey reflects the impact of our workforce development programming. Through these opportunities, alumni gain skills, confidence, and connections that support their success.
Marquane F. spent four years participating in Y.O.U.’s Summer Youth Employment Program. His final year, he participated in our Building Great Futures Construction Academy with Habitat for Humanity. He now works full-time on their construction team.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what you are doing now?
I’m working on new build projects with Habitat for Humanity, building six houses with the construction team in Mt. Pleasant. We are currently working on putting up interior and exterior walls.
What motivated you to get involved with Y.O.U.’s summer jobs program when you were in high school?
It’s one of the easiest ways to get experience. Most of my siblings had worked there before me. You get to meet people and make friends. The program does help, it gives you initial work experience that applies to the real world after school.
What year did you participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program?
2019-2023
What was your first impression of the program?
It came off like it was going to be a real job, with a bunch of kids just working, the way it was talked about at first. But Y.O.U. is more focused on giving youth work experience and prep them for the real world.
What job placement or role did you have during your time in the Y.O.U. summer jobs program? Please list them all.
1st time: cleaning the school closest to me
2nd: The COVID summer, I did an online work experience where I had to complete certain activities by a certain time to get paid
3rd: The P.E.E.R.S. (Positive Engagement Encouraging Resiliency in Shaker) program at Shaker Heights Youth Center. It focused on the topic of sexual abuse. We researched big events happening in the world, took notes and data, made a survey and sent it out to the public. I really liked this experience.
4th: Building Great Futures Construction Academy
Was there a particular mentor, supervisor, or experience that made a big impact on you?
The activity of the P.E.E.R.S. presentation; it was very eye-opening as to how often sexual abuse happens. A lot of stuff happens where people can’t see it, and I didn’t realize how prevalent it was.
What was one lesson or skill you learned in the program that has stayed with you?
Rough carpentry, mudding, putting up drywall and cabinets. In school, I was trying to figure out what to do, I knew I wanted to work in construction or something hands-on.
Adaptability, punctuality; have learned from coworkers the value of showing up. “Early is on time, on time is late”
We heard you were able to turn your summer job into a permanent position — can you tell us how that happened and what that transition was like?
After the program had ended, we got official offers from Habitat. But it didn’t go to plan because I didn’t have a license or car. I was in-between jobs, and couldn’t stay there for more than a month. I was sick of it. After I had quit this one job, I applied for Habitat ReStore in November of 2024. The ReStore taught me strength, how to be careful, etc. I liked it, I do miss my old coworkers. My old manager told me whenever the construction side had openings and encouraged me to apply in summer of 2025. I’m now working full time on the construction side.
Looking back, do you see a direct connection between what you gained at Y.O.U. and your success today?
Yes, especially with the Building Great Futures program.
What advice would you give to current students or young people entering the Y.O.U. program?
Always try to stay positive, keep your head up, and try to be on time as much as possible. Communicate with those you work with, work hard. Take pride in your work, especially if someone is telling you you’re doing a good job.