The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of 67 grants totaling up to $85 million to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country. YouthBuild provides at-risk youth, ages 16-24, with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries.
"Job training and education are key to preparing our nation's young men and women for economic success," U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said. "By investing in these local workforce development programs, the Department is expanding opportunities for at-risk youth in communities across the country."
"Youthbuild programs have the ability to change the lives of thousands of American students," said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. "Today's announcement will provide new opportunities for young people across the country to take the first step toward good-paying careers."
The Department has administered the YouthBuild program since 2006. Program participants learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods, as well as other occupational skills for in-demand industries that also require real-world work experience components. Young people split their time between the occupational skills training site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.