US Department of Labor announces competition for YouthBuild grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration today announced a solicitation for grant applications for the YouthBuild program. Approximately $130 million is available through two separate appropriations.

"Education and employment are complimentary pieces of the same puzzle," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Programs funded through these grants will serve communities across the nation and provide young people with opportunities to complete their education while participating in hands-on career preparation. That, in turn, will help these youngsters secure good jobs in skilled trades and strengthen the local and national economy."

YouthBuild is an alternative education program that provides classroom instructionand construction skills training to at-risk individuals ages 16 to 24. Participants learn valuable skillsas they build or rehabilitate housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities.

Of the total funding announced today, $30 million in fiscal year 2010 funds is available for immediate award. These funds are reserved for organizations that did not receive funding in the fiscal year 2009 YouthBuild competition. Additional grants will be made available through the fiscal year 2011 appropriation. These awards will be made after April 1, 2011, pending the availability of funds. See SGA/DFA PY 10-02 at http://www.doleta.gov/grants or http://www.grants.gov for full details.

For information on YouthBuild and the department's youth services, visit http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services.