By Lauren Selsky, NBC News desk assistant, Washington, D.C.

Joe Youcha didn't set out to make a difference. Graduating with a degree in history from Columbia University he sort of drifted, taking jobs around the country before settling near the Potomac river in Alexandria. His reasoning was simple, telling us "I'm vocationally impaired. I just like building boats."

Seventeen years ago Joe setup an apprentice program at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. It's through word of mouth that high risk teens who have dropped out of high school and have had run-ins with the law learn about the program. With Joe at the helm, they're are able to earn their GED while preparing for a career in the building trades.

Joe's passion for building boats has provided over 500 apprentices with meaningful social, educational, and recreational experiences.