US Department of Labor announces availability of funds to help young adult offenders get on right track

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $20 million in grants through its Civic Justice Corps program. Projects funded through these grants will help juvenile offenders gain valuable jobs skills, and participants will demonstrate accountability for their actions through community service.

"Some young people stray from the paths of career, family and community, but that need not dictate the rest of their lives," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Connecting young offenders with opportunities to acquire solid job skills is a crucial step toward ensuring their long term economic self-sufficiency and allows them to take a positive role in our society."

Awarded through a competitive process, the grants will prepare participants for employment and reduce recidivism. These goals will be accomplished through on-the-job training, job placement, subsidized jobs and service projects that allow young offenders to take a positive role in their communities. Participants will improve their skills, and enhance their future educational and career opportunities, through the work experiences, vocational training and academic interventions made possible by these grants.

The department expects to award a minimum of 13 grants through this funding opportunity. Any nonprofit organization, unit of state or local government, and Indian or Native American entity eligible for grants under the Workforce Investment Act's Section 166 may apply for these grants.

Full eligibility information for applicants and individual participants is included in the solicitation for grant applications. The solicitation is published in today's Federal Register and can be viewed online at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm. For more information about other Department of Labor employment and training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.