ESG Case Study 2021: Compton YouthBuild Transformation

Social Impact Strategy & Results

Case Study: Compton YouthBuild Training Center Transformation

Case Study: Compton YouthBuild Training Center Transformation With months of planning and seven weeks of construction, we transformed the Compton YouthBuild training center into a space where generations of opportunity youth can learn and grow. We aspired to empower current and future participants to nurture their best work and discover new talents and opportunities. Plus, the project gave young people real-world, hands-on learning experiences.

We brought attention to detail and expertise into every aspect of the project. As Lisa Foyston, Director of Development at EQ Office, said, “If you really want to make a change, you go all in.” EQ and more than 30 vendor partners echoed the same idea, donating more than $1.2 million of value. “We’re not cutting any corners and we’re not sparing any expense.

Everything we’re doing here is the same way we do it in a Class A high-rise,” summarized Mike Holwick at Holwick Constructors.

Our efforts to bring YouthBuild’s mission and values to life included additions and upgrades for the following: •

Acoustical Ceilings

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Landscaping

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Data Communications

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Lighting

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Doors, Frames and Hardware

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Millwork

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Parking

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Plumbing

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Roof Windows and Skylights

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Sustainability

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Electrical

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Entrance Design

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Flooring

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HVAC

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Insulation

Before/after photographs of Compton YouthBuild exterior.

Before photos by Chris Ozer. After photos by Myshalae Lyons.

EQ Office

“Many companies come to Compton. They look around. They take pictures with our kids and our neighbors. They make statements about plans to help. And then we never see them again.

EQ Office made good on their promise.”

Emma Sharif, Compton Mayor

Before/after photographs of the Compton YouthBuild interior community gathering areas.

ESG Report 2020–2021

Social Impact Strategy & Results

The Compton YouthBuild center can now embody its purpose in every aspect of the space from picnic tables to an updated culinary classroom that will stand the test of time. “We never had a space that reflected the true way we feel, and now I think we actually do,” said Sara Silva, co-founder of Compton YouthBuild. “How the space feels matters.

It influences how long our young people are willing to stay.”

Case Study: Compton YouthBuild Training Center Transformation

Our 31 vendor partners often commented that Compton reminded them of the neighborhoods they grew up in. They related to YouthBuild students.

“Learning about this program sits somewhere close to the heart for me. It reminds me where I come from. This seems like a simple construction plan, but it’s actually going to change generations,” said Zach Valdespino, a Superintendent at Holwick Construction.

In total, EQ and our partners contributed over $1.2 million dollars, including 5,616 hours of donated labor and $196,000 of in-kind donations of furniture and building supplies. More than 125 students per year will benefit from this transformed space for decades to come. We plan to refurbish one new YouthBuild building per year, ensuring more opportunity youth feel inspired to do their best work.

YouthBuild students unveil the new center with Compton YouthBuild Co-Executive Director Sara Silva, Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Compton YouthBuild Co-Executive Director Kim Hughes, EQ President Frank Campbell, Compton City Councilmember Lillie Darden and EQ Director of Development Lisa Foyston. Photo credit Myshalae Lyons.

The lobby before the transformation.

Photo credit Chris Ozer.

EQ Office

The lobby after the transformation.

Photo credit Myshalae Lyons.

ESG Report 2020–2021