National Leadership & Construction Academy · Ages 18–24

Building
America.
Building
Our Youth.

Inspired by the U.S. Army and WPA — the USBA forges the next generation of builders, leaders, and patriots through real-world service and construction training.

$2K
Monthly Stipend
$0
Student Debt
2-Yr
Immersive Program
Winter
'26
First Class · Pacific Palisades

"Think of it as a Character Factory."

— Robert Baden-Powell
Discipline· Character· Skill· Community· Patriotism· Purpose· No Student Debt· Earn While You Serve
Our Mission
More Than a Trade School

The United States Builders Academy is a leadership academy for the next generation of builders and leaders. Inspired by the U.S. Army and WPA, USBA combines construction training with national service for young Americans aged 18–24.

Through immersive, real-world experience, cadets gain what no traditional university delivers: discipline, confidence, entrepreneurial creativity, solution-based thinking, purpose, and resilience.

"Build honest, honorable future leaders, while igniting a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose through the rebuilding of homes and communities in the wake of disaster."

USBA Mission Statement

Community & Teamwork

Revitalizes communities and empowers individuals by learning the power within a winning team.

Character

Instilling principles, respect, and pride through rebuilding in disaster zones and providing hope.

Skill

Six-figure-income trades in demand — and not replaced by AI. No degree required.

Discipline

Disciplined structure and rigor merged with economic opportunity, career training, and life skills.

Why USBA
Addressing America's Critical Needs
01

Workforce Crisis

Addresses a critical shortage in skilled construction labor and builds a pipeline to replace retiring baby boomers in the trades.

02

Disaster Recovery

Disaster-stricken communities need workers. First class deploys to Pacific Palisades, CA — Winter 2026.

03

Future-Proof Trades

High-tech construction applications that AI cannot replace — timely, in-demand, and high-paying careers.

04

Debt-Free Career

A clear path to a six-figure income with zero student debt and real economic freedom for every cadet.

Programming for Real Life
What Cadets Experience

10-Week Training Academy

Foundational training through the Home Builders Institute with certifications including Path to Pro and Google.

Physical Fitness

Daily structured training that builds discipline, resilience, and team cohesion from day one.

Mental Fitness

Weekly mindset sessions. Reading list includes Meditations, Man's Search for Meaning, and Think & Grow Rich.

Live Job Site Training

Supervised daily training on active construction sites covering all aspects of the building trades.

Entrepreneurial Academy

Certifications, MasterClass, CEO fireside chats, podcasts, and conferences to build entrepreneurial thinking.

Housing & Nutrition

Housing in Santa Monica near Palisades worksites. Breakfast and dinner with nutrition education included.

Professional Mentorship

Each cadet builds a personal exit strategy and life/business plan with a dedicated professional mentor.

Graduation Savings

$1,000/month set aside throughout the program — cadets graduate with a real financial head start.

Santa Monica Housing

29-unit flagship facility with commercial kitchen, community dining, fitness, offices, and laundry on-site.

$2,000 / Month Stipend

Modeled after U.S. Army pay. $1,000/month set aside in a graduation savings program. Earn while you serve.

Earn While You Serve
USBA Process Map
From Application to Graduation
1

Marketing

Website, brand & outreach

2

Recruitment

Applications, interviews & physical

3

Assessment

2-week bootcamp & contract

4

Training

8-week basic + advanced

5

Deployment

Active construction sites

6

Operations

On-the-job specialty training

7

Graduation

Career & licensing support

A Path to Freedom
Graduation Pathways

USBA cadets exit the two-year program prepared for a wide range of futures — confident, skilled, and debt-free.

4-Year Degree
General Contractor License
Corporate Internships
Trade Union Apprenticeships
Self Employment
Entrepreneurial Start-Up
Military Service
Additional Certifications
Interior Design Programs
Leadership
Built by Those Who've Served
Peter Connolly
Chief Executive Officer
U.S. Army Veteran · Desert Storm

A native Californian and proud U.S. Army veteran of Urgent Fury and Desert Storm, Peter brings over three decades of leadership experience in talent acquisition, organizational growth, and behavioral health operations.

Graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Leadership roles at Korn Ferry, The Walt Disney Company, and ILFC. Most recently Director of Operations at The Haven at College, growing the organization to serve 18 universities nationwide.

Ready to Build America?

"Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger men." — JFK