About us

WELCOME TO GULF COAST TRADES CENTER

Gulf Coast Trades Center (GCTC) is a private, non-profit educational institution dedicated to improving the economic independence and social well-being of disadvantaged and adjudicated youth. 

GCTC provides male youth ages 15 to 18 with a comprehensive program of education, counseling, job referrals, residential and community services. This matrix of services is provided by our dedicated staff in a “no fail” atmosphere, which emphasizes the worth of each individual.

To view our program statement, click here.

RESIDENTIAL

GCTC offers a structured living environment designed to meet youths’ needs in a variety of ways.  

  • • Dormitory living supervised by trained staff
  • • Daily routine with a structured schedule
  • • Central dining hall
  • • Level-based behavioral system
  • • Positive Organizational Culture and Positive Skills Development groups
  • • Daily recreational activities
  • • Onsite medical clinic with a licensed vocational nurse

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case Managers advocate for the youth and provide guidance and mentoring throughout their time at GCTC. 

  • • Create an individual service plan for each youth that identifies the youth’s strengths and needs combined with program strategies and goals
  • • Teach positive coping skills and help develop social skills
  • • Communicate youth’s progress with referring agency
  • • Assist with completing community service

COUNSELING

GCTC offers counseling services to our residents. Youth are assessed when they arrive to determine the level of care they will receive. Individual and group counseling is provided by licensed counselors in accordance with the youth’s service plan. Counseling services include:   

  • • Drug Education
  • • Grief Counseling
  • • Crisis Intervention
  • • Anger Management

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EDUCATION

The onsite charter, the Raven School, melds academics with vocational training to offer students the unique opportunity to gain job skills while working towards a GED or High School Diploma. The Raven School features:

  • • Self-paced computer aided instruction
  • • Dedicated and experienced teachers and paraprofessionals
  • • Innovative reading program
  • • Small classes
  • • Post-secondary opportunities
  • • Work experience
  • • Career orientation and development
  • • Vocational shops


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VOCATIONAL TRAINING

• BUILDING TRADES I:  construction, framing, sheetrock, wood working projects, basic building maintenance, and NCCER certification

• BUILDING TRADES II:  bricklaying and masonry, tile projects, flooring projects, and NCCER certification

• CULINARY ARTS:  the art of preparing, cooking, presenting, and serving food

• AUTO MECHANICS: introduction to shop safety, tool safety, hazardous materials and flammable liquids safety, tires, custom detail, and general automobile maintenance

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