Our History

The Crispus Attucks Charter School is a YouthBuild-affiliated high school diploma program incorporating hands-on job training and service learning for grade 12 students ages 17 to 21. The school’s core purpose is to help young adults achieve their full potential, building them for what’s possible.

While the Crispus Attucks Charter School is modeled after the YouthBuild program, it takes its name from its sister organization, Crispus Attucks York. Founded in 1931 in York City to meet the social and educational needs of African Americans who would not be served elsewhere, Crispus Attucks York now helps people thrive through education, job training, social, and housing opportunities. The Crispus Attucks Charter School resides within Crispus Attucks York’s main facility, and its students benefit from the wholistic services offered through Crispus Attucks York.

1978
Dorothy Stoneman, a former public school teacher, formed the Youth Action Program in East Harlem, New York, a school and a community improvement project designed and run by young people in partnership with caring adults.

1983
Within five years, more than 250 young people renovated an abandoned four-story apartment building to create housing for homeless youth as part of the Youth Action Program.

1988
Ms. Stoneman founded the National YouthBuild Coalition to advocate for replication nationwide.

1990
Ms. Stoneman founded YouthBuild USA as a separate national organization to continue this community effort.

1994
The Crispus Attucks Charter School is founded in York, PA and modeled after the Youth Action Program to help high school dropouts reclaim their education and their community.

November 10, 1998
The Crispus Attucks Charter School application was submitted to the York City School District Board of Directors.

May 17, 1999
We received charter school status approval, officially becoming an accredited Pennsylvania Charter School and the first charter school in York City.